This week…Giving is an Inconvenience
The week after Christmas a pastor preached on giving. He mentioned how an offering to God is not an offering until it prevents you from doing something you planned on, wanted or always do. Giving out of wealth is good, but giving out of your “need” is essential to spiritual growth. Mike and I were both challenged by this sermon and the challenge of giving out of our “need” has remained in us.
This week I remembered to give out of my need rather than my planned wealth. Prevent yourself from doing something you’ve always planned on by giving to another, an organization, a church. Exercising this spiritual discipline produces much growth. Learn to sacrifice yourself for others. See beyond your home and wallet. You don’t have to give only your money either. Give out of your “need” for time as well. Carve out an extra two hours a month to volunteer with your kids. Get up 30 minutes earlier to serve your spouse breakfast. Forego the plans to shop one afternoon and spend it with the Lord. Make sure giving is an inconvenience for you in some way, shape or form, otherwise it may be not be considered a sacrifice or offering at all.
