Over the past weeks as I have studied the Bible in preparation for what I would preach regarding the topic of financial giving, I have also read and listened to a large number of teachings on the subject.
The teachings are all over the place! There’s little wonder that there’s so much confusion and skepticism regarding giving to the church.
I thought it would be beneficial for this article to give a practical warning. I want to show you how to identify a false message regarding giving.
There are many things that could be said, but there is one bit of advice I would give you that, to me, stands out above all others and it is to ask yourself this simple question:
“Does the message I just heard get me excited about the possibility of being rich?” If the answer is yes, it is most likely a false, “prosperity gospel” message.
The trouble with the messages that get you excited about getting rich is that there is some truth in them. There is just enough truth to make you believe what most people are desperate to believe – that God wants them to be wealthy.
Also, consider the examples of Jesus, the Apostles and Paul. These were the most powerfully influential people in Christianity, yet none of them were rich in money or possessions. They were rich in good deeds, teaching, preaching and here’s another you probably didn’t consider – they were rich in persecutions, even unto death.
Financial giving overflows from the heart and is born of grace by faith. We’re to give with no expectations understanding Jesus’ promise from the Sermon on the Mount:
Matthew 6:33 – But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Do you know what that means? It means that you can be as generous as you want! It means that if you are seeking Heaven first and seeking righteousness first, above everything else, you can live the most worry-free life of anyone in the world because you know that God is always going to give you what you need.
When you leave worship services, don’t be excited about the possibility of God making you rich. Be excited that God has saved you from eternity in hell. Be excited that God has called you to join Him in His good work. Be excited that God has given you the privilege to be generous with what He’s given to you. Be excited to know that if you see a need, you can help with that need with no fear that God will not replenish you.
Be excited to be a part of God’s family – the richest family in the world.
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
