Faith as Currency in Our FinancesEsimerkki

Think about the adjectives you’d use to describe how you feel about paying taxes or about buying Christmas or birthday presents for people you love. You might choose words like excited, bitter, apathetic, obligated, indifferent, grateful, cynical, sad, expectant, cheerful… What about giving money to your local church? How does that make you feel? People tend to be quite triggered when it comes to talking about money in church. And it’s probably fair to say that, historically, churches haven’t always dealt very well with the issue of tithing or giving. Let’s get to the heart of the matter and remind ourselves what it means to worship God in every part of our lives, including our finances. According to Jesus, the first and greatest commandment is, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’ (Matthew 22:37–38). You may not think this has anything to do with your financial giving, but the story of Cain and Abel (and their gifts to God) indicates that perhaps it does. Cain and Abel’s gifts differed materially and spiritually. Abel gave from the first of his produce – not out of law or duty, but from a grateful heart. He understood that his abundance came straight from God, and his giving was a thanks offering. Cain’s attitude was the polar opposite, and it wasn’t lost on God, who calls us to give out of our love for Him: cheerfully, not grudgingly or complacently. Of course, it’s not mandatory for Christians to give a tenth of their income to the church. We’re under grace, not law. But I would challenge you to pray intentionally about giving a percentage of your income to God’s Kingdom and see how He uses your money to move and train your heart. Allow God to reframe your emotions or beliefs around giving as an act of worship. We offer Him our faith and we offer Him the blessings we’ve received from Him – in times of plenty and in times of lack – and this honours Him. May you begin to experience the joy and freedom of giving generously and sacrificially out of the abundance God has supplied. And if you’re cash-strapped and desperate, may you know that God knew before the creation of the world how much you’d have in your fridge or bank account today. He sees your heart and promises to provide as you seek Him first and worship Him with all you are and all you have.