The issue of money in churches seems to be a major problem
today. The bottom line is people are not giving to the local church anymore.
Television ministries are making appeals for income to help them and the strong
appeal seems to draw funds away from the local church. Whether good or bad,
this is happening. However, this is not the reason for this article. The reason
for this article is the fact that people are not trusting God with their
finances.
Every person who reads this article will trust
in things that they never take for granted. We trust that our power will stay
on while away and our food in the refrigerator will not spoil. We trust that
while cooking that Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner, the power will continue so
it won't mess up our holiday. However, when it comes to church, we fail to
trust God with our money?
I
found out that the majority of those who complain about money and giving are
those that do not give. Their excuses are irrelevant in this issue. Trust in
God with your finances is paramount to the Child of God. If you make a thousand
dollars a day or ten dollars a day, the principle is still the same. Trust God
with what you have and give to Him. People just don’t trust God, so they feel
they cannot support their local church. Once the church goes under for failure
to pay the mortgage, power, benevolence projects, etc., they complain as to
why? The reason is very simple. People are robbing God.
Proverbs 3:9 says “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce.” Now, I know you anti Old Testament folks will say that is not for today, but explain why it isn't for today? Can you just take the scriptures out because it doesn't fit or suit you? God deserves the first fruits and not the leftovers. Everyone likes to be first in line for that good ole fashioned dinner on the grounds so they can have the best food first. The person at the end of the line gets the leftovers. Now, what I like about this verse is the next one in chapter 3. Verse 10 says “then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” That is powerful.
God will take care of those who give and the Bible records this as well. Malachi teaches us that: But what about the New Testament in giving? Look at what Cortni Marrazzo wrote in Crosswalk.com on July 17, 2008. (http://www.crosswalk.com/family/finances/is-tithing-for-the-new-testament-believer-11579309.html) The article gives scriptures that explain why it is important. He writes that in Matthew the 6th chapter, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be”. Therefore, if you feel you cannot give to your local church, then where is your heart? People will spend money on Cell phones; Cable or satellite television, expensive clothes, etc., but complains when the offering plate is passed. A person can go out and spend on payday $40.00 for a nice meal, but yet not give God a penny. What is wrong with this?
This is the ultimate sad part about this scenario. You attend church and not give, but yet, you complain when the doors are closed or projects cannot be completed. You are the reason my friends. You are a thief and you will not, and let me stress this again, in this author’s opinion, you will not inherit the Kingdom of God as a result of this. My reason is twofold. The first is that most of the time, those who do not give, quit church and God. Therefore, they walk away from God because of MONEY.
The other reason is simply trust. The Word of
God teaches us to come to Him in Faith. Can you honestly say you can trust God
for everything but your money and that not cause you to step away from Him?
Every person in the last 33 years of me preaching that has “griped and
complained” about tithing have walked away from God. You can run to another
church, but the problem will still follow you. Your life is in shambles because
you cannot trust God in all things. This failure will harm not only you, but others
around you.
5 things that happen to people who fail to trust God with their money.
1: Marriage issues
2: Children are disobedient
3: Health Issues
4: Joy is not present
5: There is no peace in their hearts.
You decide what is important to you. Matthew
22:21 says that for us to give to Caesar what belongs to him and to God what
belongs to Him. You decide. Do you want to give to God or not?
