Money…the taboo subject. The topic that hits a little too close to home. The one thing that sends many people straight out the church door. “They’re just after my money.” “They don’t really care about me.” “I work too hard for my money.” “I just can’t afford to give anything.” But if something is that important to us, if it strikes such a chord and is such a big part of our lives, then why would we try to convince ourselves that God has nothing to do with it? How can we dismiss the fact that money is one of the main topics that Jesus talked about? It was obviously a big deal to him! So, is Jesus just some money-hungry killjoy? Most of us would reject that image of Jesus in a heartbeat, yet we are shocked when leaders of the church even suggest that we need to give more. “That’s nobody’s business!!” we defiantly claim. But what if someone told you it’s not even about the money? Do we really think God needs our money?? What if we acknowledged that there is a greater reason for which Jesus commands us to give? What if we believed that sacrificial giving would actually result in great joy? What if we dared to worship God with our money?

Why should I give?

Most importantly, why should I give at all? Why can’t I just come to church, enjoy myself and go home? Well, the easy church answer is because Jesus said so. But we can certainly delve a little deeper. Why does Jesus require this of us and not simply suggest or recommend that we give? Our giving, of course, does not buy our salvation or good graces with God. It is not something we add to our ‘spiritual checklist’, but rather it is something that we do in order to worship God who owns everything, to advance the Gospel and to continually free ourselves from the snares of sin.

• Worship God – God is the source of everything we have. He not only gives us breath that we might live, but also provides our homes, jobs, salaries, cars, etc. – the list goes on and on. And because He gives us everything, we are to respond out of gratefulness for what He has given and trust that He will continue to provide for our needs.
• Advance the Gospel – The church is the institution which God has set up to accomplish his purposes on Earth and make Himself known. If we ourselves have been transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we should do our part to see that the church can continue to spread the good news of Christ.
• Freedom – Jesus is well aware of our propensity to fall back into the slavery of sin, but it is for freedom that He has set us free (Gal. 5:1). We are all easily lured by the riches of this world, so we are called to give that we might be set free from the false promises of earthly treasures.

How much is really expected of me?

The word ‘tithe’ means to pay a tenth. However, Jesus never actually commanded us to tithe. Rather, we are called to give sacrificially and cheerfully from our first fruits. I can almost hear the sigh of relief that we aren’t explicitly required to give ten percent, but why do we tend to think that means we can give less? Sacrificial means we give until it hurts, until it doesn’t quite make sense, and yet we experience a deep sense of joy knowing that we are honoring God, helping spread the gospel, meeting the needs of others and being set free from greed, selfishness and pride. And what about giving of our first fruits – what does that mean? Simply speaking, it means God comes first. Before taxes, insurance, debt, our 401K, our mortgage – everything. Our spending is truly an indication of the condition of our hearts, so if we are struggling in our relationship with the Lord, maybe our checkbooks would be a good place to start to find some answers.

How do I give?

There are several ways to give at Journey Church. Some people prefer to write a check or bring cash Sunday mornings and go through the physical act of bringing their offering to the alter. Others simply cannot remember their checkbook or to swing by an ATM, so they prefer a consistent, automatic withdrawal from their bank account. Others still prefer to go online and give as they are able. Whatever method you choose, make it a priority and do your best to be consistent. ‘I just forgot’ isn’t really a good excuse for not giving. Let us strive for quick obedience and rejoice in the knowledge that we are being conformed to the likeness of Christ through that obedience.

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Don’t you want to be a part of something that God loves!! What an amazing opportunity to honor Him and participate in building His kingdom. Join us in this work for the benefit of the church, for the sake of your own freedom, and most importantly, for His glory!