GIVING AS A PERSON, AS A PARENT AND AS A PRIEST
There are twice in life that I had to make decisions about offering. The first time was in my second year at the University. I made up my mind that I wouldn’t give an offering less than a particular amount. I looked at the monthly stipend and decided on an amount that I knew was substantial and honourable. As my income grew and as the years go by, it also increased.
The second time was as a parent. I knew our parents at times gave us “change” as an offering while they gave much more or we had nothing at all. One day, I had the prompt that my children should not give less than what I give as a parent. We believed and began to act on it. Why? We needed to show another generation that giving to God is honourable.
There is nothing like a growing believer who does not grow in giving. There is nothing like a mature believer who is not a mature giver. You cannot claim to be growing in the faith when you are still giving as offering what your parents used to hand over to you as a toddler.
Some people know the texture of every denomination. They will feel it before giving it.
Paul referred to giving:
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
1 Corinthians 16:2 KJV
First, you must prepare to give. It must be intentional. Your offering is not what is left after you have spent all you can. Your offering is what you have set aside in honour of the Lord. Some come to church after spending all they have and then give God some change.
Second, it must be proportional to the rate at which God has blessed you. Look at your income and look at your offering- are you giving according to the blessing of the Lord in your life?
Third, the offering is not forced. Make up your mind about what you will give. I know there are places where giving has been abused. Offerings are collected seven times in a single service. Honestly, do not be pressured. Give as you have purposed in your heart.
A cunny pastor will raise cunny members. If you will raise the offering like 20 times, your people will also change 200 naira into 10 naira notes and give it 20 times.
A sincere pastor will raise sincere members. A generous pastor will raise a generous congregation. When you tell people sincerely what is needed and you mention the sacrifice you have made as a pastor, people can follow your example.
David did the same for the building of the temple:
“And now, because of my devotion to the Temple of my God, I am giving all of my private treasures of gold and silver to help in the construction. This is in addition to the building materials I have already collected for his holy Temple. and for the other gold and silver work to be done by the craftsmen. Now then, who will follow my example and give offerings to the Lord today?”
1 Chronicles 29:3, 5 NLT
What was the consequence?
Then the family leaders, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the generals and captains of the army, and the king’s administrative officers all gave willingly.
1 Chronicles 29:6 NLT
Are you growing in giving?
temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa