Measuring gifts in joy

Jesus’ statement recorded in Luke 6:38 is classic: “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  It really is amazing that when we give to God first, He becomes supernaturally involved in our supply and management.

We turn away from debt on consumer goods because “…the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). We begin to save for purchases by making payments into a sayings account and earning interest rather than paying interest. As Proverbs 13:11 puts it: “…he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.”  The decision must then be made to resist our secular society’s pressure and live within our means over the long haul of life. The result is a buffer from which to give offerings beyond the tithe. 

Never doubt Jesus’ words remembered by Paul and recorded in Acts 20:35: “…It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  That is, there is more happiness in God, more joy in generous giving, than in receiving.

Vibrant, growing Brethren in Christ churches model joyful generosity by giving beyond 10 percent to Cooperative Ministries and by serving in the local community and mission ministries beyond the walls of the church. In healthy, developing congregations, life-giving worship and joyful generosity blend together as the offering becomes central in the worship celebration.  “…bring an offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord…” (Psalm 96:8-9). Worshippers present a financial offering to God symbolic of presenting themselves to God (Romans 12:1). The stranglehold of the love (worship) of money is broken, and healthy congregational growth blossoms and brings forth fruit in each disciple of Jesus.

Healthy churches encourage people to clear away the clutter in their lives so they can love boldly, give generously, serve joyfully, and honor God with their time, talent, and treasure. There is no greater experience of joy than in giving, because when we give, we are most like God.

John Zuck

Bishop of the Great Lakes Conference