What excuse has been made for not giving? The fact that many of us have been exploited by the false prophets of the prosperity movement, in no way negates our responsibility to give as God has commanded. So, it’s time to get over the past. We should consider repenting for our own sins that caused us to support such greedy wolves, and take personal accountability to give, give, give.

Have you judged the LORD’s servants and made that your excuse for not helping?

“The principal hindrance to the advancement of the kingdom of God is greed. It is the chief obstacle to heaven-sent revival. It seems that when the back of greed is broken, the human spirit soars into regions of unselfishness. I believe that it is safe to say there can be no continuous revival without ‘hilarious’ giving. And I fear no contradiction: wherever there is ‘hilarious’ giving there will soon be revival!” — O.S. Hawkins, U.S. Baptist pastor

Nothing to give? Why?

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21

After all, God sees our hearts and our expenditures.

The LORD saw when we knew someone had a need and yet we didn’t help (Proverbs 24:10-12). See 1 John 3:16-18 and James 2:14-17.

We must become honest and understand that God saw when money was spent on frivolous things and the work of the Gospel was not put as a priority (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18).

Our Almighty Judge sees all the monies squandered on creature comforts by those who claim to know and love Him. He sees all and will judge each of us accordingly (Proverbs 15:3; Matthew 25:40-46).

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16

The most important work of Christ goes undone due to the withholding of the very ones who claim to be saved. How deluded this generation!

Is it any wonder that Jesus told us that there are only a “few” that are only a few who are on that narrow road that lead to Heaven? (Matthew 7:13-14) Are we going to choose to give up our lives in this world to gain it eternally with Christ?

“He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” John 12:25

You see, if your money isn’t given over to God, it’s because your heart and life are not given over to Him. Go on from here continuing to deceive yourself if you will, but it will be to your own eternal demise if you do.

The nail-scarred risen Savior says that one must give his “all” to be His “disciple”:

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33 

If Christ is truly reigning in our lives, He has our hearts, our ears, and all, otherwise, we are His very “enemies”:

“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” Luke 19:27  

Just why would someone spend most all their money on their self? Why does the very ONE who allowed those resources to come into our hands get a mere token tip instead of the very FIRST portion of honor? That’s what the Pharisees did – they merely tipped God and Jesus said their giving was not honored (Mark 12:38-41). The LORD did not honor their token tipping and He doesn’t honor ours – “For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” (Mark 12:44) Jesus taught that the woman who gave all was honored by God but not the rich who claimed to be God’s children and merely tipped His work.

Early church example of giving:

“Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” Acts 11:29-30 

James Kevin Smith writes:

“What portion does a slave own of what belongs to his master? The yield of the property belongs to the property owner. Stewards only tend the matters of their master. They do not own that which their master has intrusted to them.”

What shall you take with you?

“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1 Timothy 6:7-8 

Tipping God to make ones conscience feel better is a self-serving cover up and a sin.

Are you honoring God? Truly want to know?

“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

Is it time to get real with the LORD and truly “honour” Him? Is it time to get your checkbook out and be a blessing to someone in need and a ministry work of Christ?

It was the religionists who shunned the man in need as they passed by and saw him in need (Luke 10:29-37). This means that their religious profession was all they had – they did not have salvation. Regrettably, there is no change today (Ecclesiastes 1:9). The vast majority of those who claim to be saved today, do nothing to help others with the financial substance that God Himself put in their hands and will be judged for this evil refusal.  The earliest followers of Christ had much less materially but didn’t need a message like this. They were truly saved – truly given over to the LORD – and therefore took the initiative and sold what they didn’t need to give to others who lacked and for Christ’s work to be spread/furthered (Acts 2:44-48; 4:34-35).  Be not deceived:  The LORD is watching what we are doing.

*** IF you don’t give to the work of the ministry, it’s because HIS work and HE mean nothing to you. You spend money to embellish yourself with unneeded things but neglect HIS work. This reveals who you truly love. The point is, many give out of LOVE for self and this fleeting world. They find is so very easy to bless self and why? Because self is king not the Savior. Our giving to self and the things of self that self doesn’t even need, shows us that we don’t truly love Jesus but love self and this sinful world (1 John 2:15; James 4:4). What did Jesus say to Laodicea? (Rev. 3:15-16) We love self and that’s why we give to self, self, self. See 1 John 3:18 and Titus 1:16.

Do you really care that Christ’s sheep are fed?

Do YOU care if souls are won into God’s kingdom?

If so, what are YOU personally doing about it? What are you doing to help this happen?

Didn’t Jesus tell us that our bank statement/check register reveals where our heart truly is? (Matthew 6:19-21)

THIS is the real test given in Scripture as to whether or not we are truly given over to the LORD, or not!

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21

The Worship of Giving [podcast]

WHERE to Give Your Money and Where Not to Give it

Rich in Faith