Giving

At a recent conference the subject for consideration was "The principles of giving unto the Lord." The subject was dealt with under the sub-heads:

1.The spirit of giving;

2.The system of giving;

3.The sacrifice of giving; and

4.The joy of giving.

Each section was opened by a young brother, and a brief discussion thereon followed. This summary is submitted so that the valuable lessons may reach a wider field than those who were permitted to hear and take part in the discussion. We ask readers of these notes to take time to read the Scripture references. It will richly repay the effort of having your Bible beside you as you read through these notes.

THE SPIRIT OF GIVING.

Reading:2 Corinthians 8. 1-7; 9.6-8; and Acts 20.35.

It certainly behoves disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ to give heed to His words, " It is more blessed to give than to receive." That which we have to give may consist of a variety of things: our own selves, our money, our time, our talents, and our homes. The "giving" may be individual or collective. There is room for both methods. The above, and other scriptures, teach that giving should be : (1) with cheerfulness, (2) with generosity, (3) with willingness, (4) with consistency, and (5) prayerfully. There should be an

"objective" in mind, and our "little," given in such a spirit, will

assuredly bring blessing.

The story of David's giving unto the "holy house" of God, recorded in 1 Chronicles 29, very pointedly illustrates the "spirit of giving." At the base of all giving there must be "affection to the house of my God," and it is a cause for wonderment that people, so insignificant as ourselves, "should be able to offer so willingly after this sort." To the wicked, God said in Psalm 50.12,

"If I were hungry, I would not tell thee:

For the world is Mine, and the fulness thereof."

We ask, What was the motive power behind God's giving His unspeakable Gift? It was His eternal, unmeasurable, love for us. Hence the deep root of all true giving is Love.

THE SYSTEM OF GIVING.

1 Corinthians 16.1, 2, presents one system or method, a regular laying-aside of the Lord's portion. However, the method cannot be definitely confined to one pattern. Some other factors may affect our system of giving. The attitude of one's heart must be right, and unless this is so, the best ordered system will avail very little. The rich men and the poor widow (in Luke 21) used the same means of giving ... "into the treasury," but, oh, how differently did the Master assess their gifts, for "this poor widow cast in more than they all . . ."! We each have a stewardship, and whatever method we use we must put all our gift at our gracious God's disposal. This will entail self-surrender (Romans 12.1-8), but the results will follow (Romans 12.3-21). Note the various "gifts" that may be dedicated to Him (Romans 12.0-8). See Ephesians 5.15, 16. Every opportunity must be bought up. Our system must not allow precious time to be wasted. In Ephesians 6.5-9 servants and masters, both responsible to learn the "will of God," must ever consider their use of time and service, as seen through the eyes of their Master in heaven.

Method is governed by (1) ability to serve, and (2) the need around us. A systematic visiting of the old and sick, and a sympathetic understanding of the young and virile, should enter into our system of giving, our time and talent and money. We have not yet learned, apparently, the secret that the Macedonians knew, giving "beyond their power." Knowledge of circumstances will also influence our method, for there are sure to be conflicting needs. Africa, Asia, Australia and America call, as may also the towns and villages of our own country.

One third of the population of this world is living below subsistence level, as far as bodily nutrition is concerned. How many, too, have partaken of the Bread of Life? We need, wisely, to husband our resources and to use them as effectively as we can by dedicating

ourselves unto the Lord.

Illustrating this section of the subject, the following scriptures were referred to. In Genesis 14.20 we have the inauguration of the giving of a tenth, when Abram gave this portion to Melchizedek. The principle was carried on by Jacob (see Genesis 2B. 22). And the law of Moses established the giving of the tithe to the Levites. Failure to fulfil this requirement brought leanness to the nation of Israel, as the latter days of their history show (Malachi 3. 10). Surely more than a tithe is required of us in the day of grace! But one thing is essential ... the Lord's portion should be the first part given out of our substance.

unknown | Apr 1956
Giving