Why Give? Allow me to answer that question. 1 Corinthians 16.1-4

Why Give? Allow me to answer that question!

I think Paul must have been a Type A personality, don’t you? It seems like he must have been thinking
constantly—first about one thing, and then another. Even
as we turn the page from chapter 15 to the last chapter of this book,
Paul moves from deep theological truth to taking care of housekeeping
matters in one breath! Ready to bring a close to his
letter to the Corinthian believers, Paul addresses one more of their
questions—how and why do we give to the work of the Lord?

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow,” we croon on Sunday mornings; if we
truly recognize that our blessed lives—that all we have—comes from God, then
giving ought be easy, eh? We give because God gave, and
gives to us. Jesus
said, "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down,
shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by the
measure you use it will be measured to you in return."1? (‘Financial blessings a part of
your life? No? Perhaps you might look at
your giving record….hmmmm.) And Paul reminded, "In
everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must
help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself
said, ’It is more blessed to give than to receive.’"2 Take a peek now at what Paul penned to the church:

“Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to
do. On
the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of
money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no
collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give
letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your
gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable for me to go
also, they will accompany me.” 1 Corinthians 16.1-4

The moneys collected are for God’s people—those who devote their lives to the work
of the Lord, and those who are in need. Paul suggests we
use a systematic approach—at the start of the week, (or pay period), set
aside what goes to God. ‘How much should that be?’ you
ask. Paul links it to the proportion of one’s income, but
gives no percentage. The letter of the Old Testament law
required ten percent, and many continue to use that standard. However,
if we believe that we are no longer under the Law, then perhaps we
ought rethink our giving as well. Let’s give as we are
able, let’s give generously and cheerfully. (for God loves
a cheerful giver!)3

Those ministers who are in receipt of that generous giving must be responsible and give an account for that which is given. So,
on that note, here goes . . .

In the last several years, God has shaped my Bible-teaching ministry into the focus of PastorWoman Corp.—only God could do have done
it! It is my part to be faithful in distributing the Word of God as I
am called, and to do so in a compelling fashion. Recently,
I distributed a ministry newsletter which highlighted the scope of the
work, and invited participation in giving to the ministry, a 501-C3
corp. which affords givers tax write-offs. I believe in
accountability, both financial and personal. Where does
that money go? It goes solely to the distribution of the
Gospel—I take nothing from any of the giving. The lion’s
share goes to the tech support for the daily updating of the website and
the distribution of Bible study five days a week, “Morning Briefings”. Praise
God, since January alone, thousands around the world have accessed my
teaching from the Word, free of charge! A small portion
goes to advertising; for instance, we have run a Google ad, with the tag
line, “Is contentment possible?” that launches folks to the website for
answers to that question from God’s Word. People from 108
countries have hit that ‘button’, so to speak. Isn’t that
exciting?? (I hear a lot from Pakistan and India
incidentally) Finally, a small amount goes to extend the
Gospel to the street people/the poor in Long Beach, such as weekly Bible
study notes, Bibles, etc. (There is a great need for
large-print Bibles because of eyesight problems.) When my
friend saw the newsletter she said, “Christine, I didn’t even know you
had a 501-C3, or how any money might be used—you have to tell people
this stuff!” Okay, so now I have. Praise be
to God.

Scripture has more to say about giving, which is quite interesting actually—but the reality is that giving to God’s work comes
from a heart that longs to serve and please God. How’re
you doing there? Do you long to please God?

Oh, I pray so…..

Christine