Rev. E. Anderson
GOD’S THOUGHTS AND WAYS
I shall be presenting a fresh series on God’s Thoughts and Ways, looking at God’s motivation and ministration and to see such reproduced in those who profess a divine relationship with Him. Seeing that we are His chosen offspring, the qualities that are revealed in our Father are also to be demonstrated in His children. We get our life, knowledge and inspiration from Him in order to be like Him and so give a convincing witness to all, in our families, the Christian community and the world at large of our likeness to the Father. May you be helped, blessed and inspired by what you read and such be further meditated on and developed.
GOD’S KIND OF GIVING
Without question God is an infinitely giving God as the Bible reveals. Mankind, in particular has been the recipient of His untold gifts and blessing. He has given, in the first instance, life and all the natural benefits that are to be found in this world: family, friends, food, release of good gifts and talents, purpose and above all the gift of Jesus Christ to be our Saviour and Lord and through whom we can be birthed into the divine family – John 3: 16; 2 Corinthians 9: 15; John 1: 11, 12; James 1: 17 etc. There is no doubt about it; God seeks to enrich our lives in incredible ways!
It is His desire and design, however, that all who have a unique and personal relationship with Him should also be renowned in the realm of giving. Quite a deal of teaching in the Scriptures focuses attention on this vital ministry. God is not only the Giver, He seeks to promote and provoke the same in those lined up with Him. His thoughts and ways are centred on giving. Jesus Christ gave a great emphasis and encouragement in relation to it. He said: “Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure you mete withal it shall be measured to you again” – Luke 6: 38.
“Christian giving is God’s divine plan to make us like Himself; it reveals our religion and bares our souls; it is prophetic and has to do with the inner sensitiveness and gives a keener vision to His work and plans” – Denison
What is the kind of giving that matches up to God that must be reflected in all who are joined dynamically together with Him?
1. IT HAS TO BE GENEROUS GIVING – Luke 6: 38; 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15
God is the generous Giver and seeks to generate this spirit of generosity in His people so that they bear a true likeness to himself. The point is made in 2 Corinthians that no farmer can afford to sow sparingly with regard to his seed if he hopes to reap bountifully, so it is the same with Christian living and giving.
“You do not have to be rich to be generous. If he has the spirit of true generosity, a pauper can give like a prince”- Wells
2. IT HAS TO BE SACRIFICIAL GIVING – Mark 12: 42-44
Christ saw the woman who gave all that she had which is referred to as a ‘two mites’, small coins. They didn’t seem much they represented all and sacrifice. She had nothing left. He immediately recognised and taught that she had given all and it was therefore at great sacrifice. Observing others giving in of the bounty he reckoned that her gift surpassed theirs.
“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift” – Corneille
3. IT HAS TO BE CHEERFUL GIVING – 2 Corinthians 9: 7
One translator interprets it: ‘God loves the hilarious giver’. It speaks of total abandonment, liberty and delight in the deed. Rapturous joy must be seen in the giver as there is a bestowing of his gifts.
Illustration: When the father received his wayward son back home he rapturously lavished gifts upon him – see Luke 15: 22-24
“For God loveth a cheerful giver. And who does not? Valuable as any gift may be in itself, yet if it is forced and constrained; if it can be procured only after great importunity and persevering effort, who can esteem it as desirable? God desires the heart in every service. No service that is not cheerful and voluntary, none that does not arise from true love to him, can be acceptable in his sight. God loves it because it shows a heart like his own–a heart disposed to give cheerfully, and to do good on the largest scale possible; and because it shows a heart attached from principle to his service and cause” –
Barnes Commentary
4. IT HAS TO BE SYSTEMATIC GIVING – 1 Corinthians 16: 1, 2
Christians are to develop the regular habit of giving so that it becomes a fixed spiritual habit. They know that this is what is expected and have seen the blessed results of it at work and so desire to be ever motivated in this ministry. Giving is not to be left according to feelings or even needs but according to divine rule and principle.
“Paul designed that the habit of doing good with their money should be constant. He, therefore, directed that it should be on the return of each Lord’s-day, and that the subject should be constantly before their minds” – Barnes Commentary
Inbuilt into the life and order of every Israelite was to be this inspiration to continually give. In relationship with God they must learn to tithe for much was dependent on this – see Malachi 3: 10.
5. IT HAS TO BE SIMPLISTIC GIVING – Matthew 6: 1-2
It has to be free from outward show and grandeur, to impress the onlookers on your goodness. That is the role of the play-actor and giving should never be reduced to play-acting. In a simple, humble, unassuming fashion the divine giver must be bestow his gifts.
“Giving is most blessed and most acceptable when the donor remains completely anonymous” – Maimonides
6. IT HAS TO BE VOLUNTARY GIVING – 1 Chronicles 29: 3-9
This beautiful aspect of Christian ministry and service must be free and kept free from all insidious forceful tactics. No effort should be made to try and squeeze gifts out of people no matter how legitimate the cause. Needs certainly have to be presented but in the ultimate the giving must come from a free heart and spirit.
The example in 1 Chronicles 29: 3-9 is of a people wanting to give of their substance because of the nature of their cause and objective. David, the king, set things in motion by showing an example and inspiration to all his subjects.
7. IT HAS TO BE COMPASSIONATE GIVING – Luke 10: 25-37
The rich young ruler had seemingly everything yet he really had nothing and was not prepared to make the greatest donation of his life which would have given him everything. In contrast, the good Samaritan in the story, was quick to give all to bless one in desperate need and so help someone to a state of restoration. It was because he was ‘moved with compassion’ and so his service and giving was invaluable. Love was at the heart of his action – see 1 Corinthians 13: 1-3.
“It is possible to give without loving, but it is impossible to love without giving” –
Braunstein
CONCLUSION
All Christians must make sure that they are the kind of person that God has called and enabled them to be by His love, wisdom, grace and power.
One of the evidences of the new birth and life is witnessed in their absolute willingness to give in the manner and measure that God the Father has planned.
Such a life of divine giving will bring in lasting benefits.