It is widely known that Frugal Ferrell is tight with a penny. Like you, he knows the value of money, how difficult it is to come by, how quickly it can leave and the power it yields when released into the right hands. When we give our hard-earned money, it says a lot about who we are, how we prioritize and, ultimately, our trust and faith in God. In a way, it’s not what we have that defines us, but more in what we give. An ancient proverb states that one’s wealth is not determined by what you have, but by what you give away. There is a metaphysical law set in motion by the Creator that governs both Christian and non-Christians. Blessings come to those who give, believers and non-believers, just like the rain that falls on the just and the unjust. In short, giving is good! And for the Christian, it’s where the rubber meets the road along our spiritual journey.
First, we recognize that everything we are and everything we have, comes from God. This is important for us to affirm, especially in this day and time when our modern technology and supreme engineering lead us to believe that we can control our world, our fate and our future. Primitive men paid homage to the Creator of life, giving thanks and making sacrifices as a way of honoring the source of all things. Tied to the earth for food, water, clothing and shelter, it was easier back then to know that their very existence was a gift from God. Today, we’re tied to our jobs and paychecks we receive, so it’s easy to become disconnected as the sweat of our brow is automatically deposited into a bank account. We never actually hold the cold, hard cash in our hands before it’s quickly whisked away to some other account, further emphasizing our disconnect with the Creator of us and the source of life. So, I don’t blame anyone for forgetting that it all belongs to God in the first place. We’re a living product of our own “success”. But let’s first reestablish who we are and who God is. As you’re reading this, say out loud these words: “God, thank you for everything I have.” Now, you can go further if you wish and actually name them all. It’ll take a while once you start, but it’s not a bad idea! The point is, you now have a firm grasp on where it all comes from—God!
Acknowledge that you have been blessed with abundance. Regardless of your perceived financial condition, remember that most of the world is barely surviving on a dollar a day with over 900 million hungry men, women and children wondering if they’ll live to see another sunrise. So, let’s get it all in perspective. You and I are blessed with abundance! One of the lessons we teach our children is that it is good to share with others. We teach them to share their toys and their candy, these two things that are near and dear to a child’s heart. This life lesson is ingrained in every child from toddlerhood to adulthood. We teach it because it’s the right thing to do, and besides, it feels good to share.
Even modern science and medicine affirms the physiological phenomenon associated with giving and sharing. That warm fuzzy feeling you get is hard-wired to your very soul. Giving flat out feels good! Now, the question remains, how much should I give?
I love what John Wesley says about money: “Make all you can, save all you can, give all you can for as long as you can”. Frugal Ferrell noticed that the Rev. Wesley left out the easiest part about managing our money—spending it! Determining a “need” from a “want” is the hardest part about managing our abundance. The fact that we can even entertain a choice is in itself, a blessing. Remember, you need food, water, shelter and clothing. Everything else is extra! Everything! The Bible deals with the subject of money more than any other topic. Beginning in the Old Testament, a tithe, or ten percent, was the common practice from Abraham to his grandson Jacob and so on. This sacrificial giving became Jewish law, a law that Jesus saw in action all his life. In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus witnessed rich Jews dutifully placing their tithe into the temple treasury, and, perhaps, knowing their prideful hearts as they focused on the amount that they were giving, also noticed the two measly mites a widow placed in the offering as well. Jesus said “this poor widow has given more than all the others.” Now, obviously Jesus is much more concerned with the heart and amount of sacrifice more than the value of the coin, for the widow gave all she had—100%! She had faith in God to provide everything she needed, and so with confidence gave with a cheerful heart knowing that her future was in good hands. God’s hands! We worry too much about the future don’t we? Jesus’ disciples also worried a lot. In Luke 12:22-26 Jesus tells them not to worry about what you’re going to eat, wear or your other physical needs. God takes care of the birds and so He’ll surely take care of us too. So, relax and know that you can give with confidence and a cheerful heart because everything you need will be provided for you. Notice I said “need” and not “want”. Many times our wants become a priority in our lives so much so that we rob ourselves of the blessings of God. (better read that last sentence again.) Take a good hard look at where you spend your money. It’s actually pretty easy to do these days with check registers, debit cards and credit cards. I get a yearly statement that shows me exactly where my money goes. The shocking reality hits hard in January. “So that’s where all our money went!” I exclaim. We often get so tied up in what we have and what we want, we forget about the basics: Everything comes from God and it’s good to give. Our fear of the future and the possibility of not being able to get what we want, causes us to tighten our grip around the almighty dollar so that it’s impossible to receive the blessing God so desperately wants to give us. Do this: Take your hand and ball it up into a fist. Hold it out in front of you and squeeze it tightly. Notice the tension you feel crawling up your arm, neck and shoulders. Notice the strain of tendons and muscles. Can you possibly put anything into your hand with it clenched like this? Now, open it. Feel the relief and the stress slowly leave your body. Now turn your palm upwards. You’re ready to receive! And guess what!? You can’t out-give God! Believe it or not, God has invited you to a challenge. It only happens once in the whole Bible and it’s about money. In Malachi 3:8-12, it encourages his followers to give (tithe) and “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour a blessing so great that you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! (NLT 2007). In other words, God is double-dog daring you to give sacrificially! I love that! Go ahead. Make my day. And, in the process, make your day!
But maybe you feel like you’re not in a position to give like you’d like to. Deep down, you know there’s an abundance of blessings waiting to be poured down on you from heaven, but your past choices and present priorities have you trapped in a lifestyle that leaves very little left to give. Give what you can, with a cheerful heart and a commitment to reprioritize your “needs” from “wants” so that you can be blessed in abundance. God knows your heart, so do your best starting today! I double dog dare ya!
See you in church on Sunday and may you prayerfully consider your financial commitment for 2012. Take a leap of faith and may God richly bless you and your family now and always.
