" Giving To The Lord."

The church of God is a place of high responsibility and blessed privilege. Responsibility varies very much, according to growth and development and the grace of God upon each one, but immediately upon reception into the church the young disciple enters upon many happy, though solemn, privileges. Giving to the Lord on the first day of the week is one of these (1 Corinthians 16.2). The Lord has graciously made provision for us, giving instruction through His Word when, and how, we are to give, for He desires that we should give to Him.

Firstly, when are we to give? The answer we find clearly in 1 Corinthians 16.2-" Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store." You will thus observe that week by week there is to be individual exercise against the time of actual giving. It has for long been the comely practice, and the right one, we believe, in keeping with the foregoing scripture, to bring our monetary offerings on the first day of the week, when the disciples are "gathered together to break bread" (Acts 20.7).

Secondly, how are we to give? The answer to this is all important. When Paul instructed the churches of Macedonia in relation to a special need among God's people, their response was ready, full and free. But what led them on to such hearty giving to the Lord? Herein is the answer: "But first they gave their own selves to the Lord" (2 Corinthians 8.1-5). As with the saints of Macedonia, so with us. If the Lord gets ourselves first, then He will assuredly get our money. Thus we read: "Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9.7). As in all service for God, the motive counts with Him. "Freely ye received, freely give." God delights in the loving gift of a willing heart.

Thirdly, how much am I to give? The Lord has laid down no fixed sum for His people to-day. The principle for our instruction is, "As he may prosper" (see again 1 Corinthians 16.2).

This leads us to a practical talk, since it is a matter calling for deep exercise. We may need to start with very little, but we can be encouraged, as we remember that the widow's two mites found acceptance with God (Luke 21.1-4). If still at school young disciples may receive a little from their parents, a portion of which should be reserved for the Lord, and if others give to them, or if by some lawful means they earn a little, the Lord enjoins upon them to give a portion of that little extra to Himself. If in employment, and they receive what is called "spending money," then lay by in store a portion for the Lord. As the "spending money" increases there should be exercise to give more, turning the "spending money" into "giving money," and doing this as unto the Lord.

As the Assembly box is approached each Lord's day this should be done reverently. Remember, the Lord sees, He who sat over against the treasury. (Read Mark 12.41-44). Note carefully for what object we are to give. Firstly, the Assembly" expenses." These involve rent, heating, lighting, etc. We are to obey the injunction - "Owe no man anything, save to love one another" (Romans 13.8).

Secondly, the compartment reserved for beloved brethren wholly engaged in the work of the Lord. We are responsible to care for them. Philippians 4.14-20 will help to a right understanding on this matter,

Thirdly, the saints in need in the Assembly where we are, and possibly other saints, as the Lord may direct. We are to assist with others in contributing to the welfare of saints in need of financial help. (Read again 1 Corinthians 16. and 2 Corinthians 8. and 9.).

Lastly, if we are hindered from attending the assembly gatherings at any time the Lord's will is that what we have "laid by in store" should be reserved and given to the Lord at the first opportunity.

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said "It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20.85; Luke 6.38).

unknown | May 1953
The For Young Believers