“The best time to aggressively give is when the need is greatest.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 2, 2021
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3:9–10
Why do we honor the Lord with our wealth? We honor Him because He is the giver of all good things, the author of our abundance. As our estate grows, so should our honor of our heavenly Father. Otherwise, we are tempted to take credit for our success, honoring ourselves. The Bible says, “You may say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth’” (Deuteronomy 8:17 NASB).
In some seasons our net worth decreases, and we are reminded that Christ controls cash flow. Wealth is not an end to itself but the means to the greater goal of honoring God. Peace and contentment flow from wealth that honors the Lord, while fear and insecurity consume the heart that honors itself. The Bible says, “If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them” (Psalm 62:10 NASB).
So how do you honor the Lord with your wealth? One way is to remain faithful and give Him the firstfruits of your fortune. Small or large as it may be, His primary concern is your faithfulness to give. You give out of obedience, not abundance. People see Christ when you keep your cash commitments, especially when it costs you. This is honorable in heaven and on earth. Give to your church, the poor and needy, widows, orphans, family, and ministries who align with your passions.
The result of your generous giving in the middle of downward financial pressure will be an upward blessing to you and the recipients. Your honorable use of wealth for Jesus’ sake may mean food, clothing, shelter, and medical supplies for a village, or Bibles translated into the foreign tongue of a remote people halfway around the world. The best time to aggressively give is when the need is greatest. You take care of honoring Christ with generous giving, and He will take care of you. What you give now, you will have in abundance later.
“And you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:14 NASB).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise you for giving to me your great love and provision, so I can give back to you with a grateful and generous heart, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Heavenly Father, I praise you for giving to me your great love and provision, so I can give back to you with a grateful and generous heart, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Related Reading
Deuteronomy 26:2–15; Luke 12:18–24; 1 Corinthians 15:20; Philippians 4:17–18
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Worship Resource
Nicole C. Mullen: Redeemer
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