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Who knew talking about money could be so fun! I'm still smiling from this morning thinking of the "Tithe Rap". You can see some video clips from the West and Connections Campus floating around on YouTube and Facebook. How fun to watch God at work at all our campuses together. And just in case you think the Creative Team has reached their peak, there is an amazing surprise element already in the works for next week. You won't want to miss it.
I was reminded again this morning, that the issue of money and tithing is really not as much a financial issue as it is a faith issue. How odd that we can trust God with so many other things in our lives, but not our finances. We want God to invade every area of our life, but finances. We give God our eternal destiny and then offer Him only a tip. This is such an area of faith for many of us.
A few years ago, Chantelle and I went from two incomes down to one income. We added not only a child, but a special needs child. The costs for equipment were exorbitant. The choices for a variety of therapies were costly. And our income was reduced. We realized you cannot outgive God. All our financial needs were met. God was very faithful.
What I didn't have much time to speak about this morning is what Paul writes about the decision of giving. He writes in II Corinthians 9 that each person should give as they have decided in their heart to do. Paul reminds us of the importance of developing a financial plan and of developing a plan for giving. Giving, like faith, comes with decisions. It is a decision that doesn't come with reluctance, but with joy. So I would encourage you to develop a plan and make a decision about your finances. What are you going to trust God with? How are you going to respond to His word?
I particularly want to speak to young people, who often don't think they have much to really give, but that they would start this practice of bringing the first (of their allowance, paycheck, etc) to the Lord. There is no better time to learn the joys of giving than now. The younger the better. And because it is an act of faith, every time we give, it will enlarge our faith and deepen our trust.
Already today, you have decided something. What have you decided in your heart? I pray it will make you an hilarious giver.
Terry
