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Transforming Truths
“One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” — Proverbs 11:24-25
Our deepening recession has a lot of people wondering what to do with their money. Where can they get a return on their investment? The practical side of those of us involved in stewardship ministry might suggest paying off high interest debt. Or, for people whose employers still offer a match on money invested in the company 401(k) plan, investing as much as necessary to get the full match. Or building a bigger reserve.
But if we let God’s Word be our guide, if we really probe the pages of scripture for ideas on the best use of money right now, we can’t help but conclude that the counter-cultural answer is to give generously.
What does Proverbs 3:9-10 tell us will happen when we honor the Lord with our wealth? Our “barns will be filled to overflowing.” What does Malachi 3:10 tell us will happen if we take God up on his challenge to test him by bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse? He will “throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” What does Luke 6:38 say will happen if we give? “It will be given to you.” And what does 2 Corinthians 9:6 tell us will happen if we sow generously? We will “reap generously.”
Peddlers of the prosperity gospel have made it more difficult to teach about generosity. But they have also made it much more important to do so. And our economy is crying out for someone to step into the void of confusion and fear with clear, hopeful, timeless truths about money.
Giving to get is nothing but a laughable attempt to manipulate God (see Romans 11:35). Giving by faith—out of humble, grateful recognition that everything we have comes from God—is an act of worship. And the remarkable, often misunderstood promise from scripture is that God will provide a return to those who give in this manner. At minimum, that return will be an increase in joy. And we could all use more of that right now.
Yes, we need to help provide for those who are hurting. Yes, we need to teach people how to get out of debt. Yes, we need to encourage people to save. Yes, we need to show people how to use a budget and spend effectively. But the more time that I spend with God’s Word, the more convinced I am that the best counsel we can offer people during these tough times is to grow in generosity.
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