We are called to be good stewards of all that God has entrusted with us.  That means that we are to mind our money, our skills and our time while always looking for ways to use each of them to bring about glory to God!  Being a good steward means recognizing what you’ve been given while being willing to give in return.  In the second part of the sermon series “Led To Give” we see three very important questions concerning giving answered in 1 Chronicles 29:10-20. 

1.  Why should we give?

2.  How should we give?

3.  What should we give?

David recognized that when we give, we are not giving God what is ours but giving God what has always been His and what we have been given first by Him (v11-14).  One of the big misconceptions that people have is that what they have is “theirs and theirs only!”.  How wrong an attitude that is!  God blesses us with all that we have and at anytime can choose to give us more as well as take away what we have.  When we give to God, we are expressing our gratitude over what He has given to us!  We are saying “Thanks God”.  But when we refuse to give we build forts around what we have thinking “it’s mine, all mine!”  How sad God must feel when His children treat Him this way!  God loves His children and He gives to us and out of our love for Him we choose to give back to Him.  We give because we love Him and also giving to Him helps us avoid “the curse” (Malachi 3:8). ”Will a man rob God?”  Robbing God is just what we do when we refuse to give Him what’s His anyway and it brings a stiff penalty along with it.

David also recognized that our giving is an act of worship before God.  It’s not just the songs we sing about Him that’s praise or the time spent studying His Word.  Giving is an expression of Worship to God the Father and we are to worship Him because He is worthy of our worship and praise.

How should we give?  David pointed out two attitudes here in these verses.  First, we are to give generously.  The Israelites had just taken up a huge offering for the building of the temple showing their generous heart in giving and it was the result of the example set by their leaders.  Secondly we are to give willingly, not out of a reluctant mindset.  God doesn’t want to have to push you to give.  We should give because we understand that God has already given us so much and will take care of us when we give what we think we need to keep for ourselves.  God is the ultimate Father, never neglecting the well being of His children but blessing them over and over when the respond in generous and willing obedience.

But what about “what I should give?”  God’s Word says specifically that we are expected to tithe (10% of our income).  We are to tithe where we worship.  The tithe is God’s for His purposes and He dictates those purposes.  But notice that scripture also speaks of an “offering” as well.  Offerings are what we choose to give over and above our tithe.  These are usually  given to areas stipulated by the individual such as missions, or other various ministries or projects.  But God also expects us to give of both our “talents and time” as well.  Time spent with God  in Bible study and prayer, as well as bringing whatever skills you have to serve Him and your church are also valued by God.

Giving is about more than money!  Giving is an expression of our trust and faith in God!  God has given us so many blessings and be sure of this:  God is very interested in our response to those blessings!  What does your response say to God?

Watch for the full sermon “Led To Give, Pt2″ in our “Listen to a Sunday  Message” section.