The Heart of a Giver
Robert Dawson
2 Corinthians 8:1-6; 9:6-12
A pastor was excited about taking his two visiting nephews to church. The boys, 6 and 9, had never been to church and he was looking forward to exposing them to what the church had to offer. Their lack of familiarity with the church became evident early in the service.
The boys came down front to be with the other kids during the children's sermon. In the middle of the mini-sermon 6-year old Eric blurted out, ''How much longer do we have to stay up here?!'' The pastor endured the disruption and embarrassment his nephew caused and finished the children's sermon.
Eric was not at all impressed with what he had seen so far and it became even more apparent when the offering plate was passed. He watched with great interest as people put money in the plate and passed it across the aisle. When the plate finally got to him, he looked up at his aunt and said, in a very audible voice, ''You mean we got to pay for this?''
We've probably all felt that way at some point but unfortunately the settled attitude and disposition of some in the church when it comes to giving, especially those not connected to the church. The topic of money, giving/tithing is never an easy one.
1. It is uncomfortable for new Christians and mature Christians.
2. It is challenging for those who have never tithed and those who have been tithing for years.
3. It forces us to examine for the first time or reexamine our attitude toward money and possessions.
There is even a danger for those, like my family, who have been giving since we were married and even before, we can easily put our giving on cruise control.
1. It is like paying a bill and while done in obedience it becomes disconnected from a heart of worship.
2. From time to time we need God's Word to disrupt our routine so we can reevaluate our gifts (what is actually given) and the spirit in which it is given.
The Bible deals with money matters b ...
Robert Dawson
2 Corinthians 8:1-6; 9:6-12
A pastor was excited about taking his two visiting nephews to church. The boys, 6 and 9, had never been to church and he was looking forward to exposing them to what the church had to offer. Their lack of familiarity with the church became evident early in the service.
The boys came down front to be with the other kids during the children's sermon. In the middle of the mini-sermon 6-year old Eric blurted out, ''How much longer do we have to stay up here?!'' The pastor endured the disruption and embarrassment his nephew caused and finished the children's sermon.
Eric was not at all impressed with what he had seen so far and it became even more apparent when the offering plate was passed. He watched with great interest as people put money in the plate and passed it across the aisle. When the plate finally got to him, he looked up at his aunt and said, in a very audible voice, ''You mean we got to pay for this?''
We've probably all felt that way at some point but unfortunately the settled attitude and disposition of some in the church when it comes to giving, especially those not connected to the church. The topic of money, giving/tithing is never an easy one.
1. It is uncomfortable for new Christians and mature Christians.
2. It is challenging for those who have never tithed and those who have been tithing for years.
3. It forces us to examine for the first time or reexamine our attitude toward money and possessions.
There is even a danger for those, like my family, who have been giving since we were married and even before, we can easily put our giving on cruise control.
1. It is like paying a bill and while done in obedience it becomes disconnected from a heart of worship.
2. From time to time we need God's Word to disrupt our routine so we can reevaluate our gifts (what is actually given) and the spirit in which it is given.
The Bible deals with money matters b ...
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