I like a good checklist. I have a checklist for camping, a different checklist for backpacking, a checklist for the Honduras and Westview Boys Home mission trips, etc.
Checklists are good. They help us to remember the things that are essential. Since we will have three lessons regarding giving over three weeks, I thought you might want a quick-reference checklist regarding giving. Based on our studies over the past two-weeks and this Sunday:
The New Testament Model for Giving
- Do I give in response to God’s grace
- Do I give sacrificially
- Do I give without being told
- Do I give with consistent commitment
- Do I give to inspire giving
- Do I give what we have pledged
- Do I give with harvest in mind
- Do I give from the heart
- Do I give with faith God will replenish
- Do I give as a witness for Jesus
I admit, I don’t think of all of those things every time I give, but it does do me good to review my giving occasionally and make adjustments as needed.
I want my giving to reflect my faith in God and I don’t want to ever be guilty of putting my confidence in money for my security. I certainly don’t want to be guilty of allowing money to become an idol, because Jesus warned in Matthew 6:24, 24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
Upon examination of my giving, I also don’t want to be like the rich young ruler who, after being taught that his wealth stood in the way of his following Jesus, went away grieving (Matthew 19:22).
It is my prayer for myself and for our church family that we will give as God desires for us to give, for our good and for His glory!
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
