Why Give?  Allow me to answer that question!

 I think Paul must have been a Type A personality, don’t you?  It seems like he must have been thinking constantly—first about one thing, and then another.  Even as we turn the page from chapter 15 to the last chapter of this book, Paul moves from deep theological truth to taking care of housekeeping matters in one breath!  Ready to bring a close to his letter to the Corinthian believers, Paul addresses one more of their questions—how and why do we give to the work of the Lord?

 “Praise God from whom all blessings flow,” we croon on Sunday mornings; if we truly recognize that our blessed lives—that all we have—comes from God,  then giving ought be easy, eh?  We give because God gave, and gives to us. Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by the measure you use it will be measured to you in return."1? (‘Financial blessings a part of your life?  No?  Perhaps you might look at your giving record….hmmmm.)   And Paul reminded, "In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ’It is more blessed to give than to receive.’"2 Take a peek now at what Paul penned to the church:

“Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do.  On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.  Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.  If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.”  1 Corinthians 16.1-4

The moneys collected are for God’s people—those who devote their lives to the work of the Lord, and those who are in need.  Paul suggests we use a systematic approach—at the start of the week, (or pay period), set aside what goes to God.  ‘How much should that be?’ you ask.  Paul links it to the proportion of one’s income, but gives no percentage.  The letter of the Old Testament law required ten percent, and many continue to use that standard.  However, if we believe that we are no longer under the Law, then perhaps we ought rethink our giving as well.  Let’s give as we are able, let’s give generously and cheerfully.  (for God loves a cheerful giver!)3

Those ministers who are in receipt of that generous giving must be responsible and give an account for that which is given.  So, on that note, here goes . . . 

In the last several years, God has shaped my Bible-teaching ministry into the focus of PastorWoman Corp.—only God could do have done it! It is my part to be faithful in distributing the Word of God as I am called, and to do so in a compelling fashion.  Recently, I distributed a ministry newsletter which highlighted the scope of the work, and invited participation in giving to the ministry, a 501-C3 corp. which affords givers tax write-offs.  I believe in accountability, both financial and personal.  Where does that money go?  It goes solely to the distribution of the Gospel—I take nothing from any of the giving.  The lion’s share goes to the tech support for the daily updating of the website and the distribution of Bible study five days a week, “Morning Briefings”.  Praise God, since January alone, thousands around the world have accessed my teaching from the Word, free of charge!  A small portion goes to advertising; for instance, we have run a Google ad, with the tag line, “Is contentment possible?” that launches folks to the website for answers to that question from God’s Word.  People from 108 countries have hit that ‘button’, so to speak.  Isn’t that exciting??  (I hear a lot from Pakistan and India incidentally)  Finally, a small amount goes to extend the Gospel to the street people/the poor in Long Beach, such as weekly Bible study notes, Bibles, etc.  (There is a great need for large-print Bibles because of eyesight problems.)  When my friend saw the newsletter she said, “Christine, I didn’t even know you had a 501-C3, or how any money might be used—you have to tell people this stuff!”  Okay, so now I have.  Praise be to God.

Scripture has more to say about giving, which is quite interesting actually—but the reality is that giving to God’s work comes from a heart that longs to serve and please God.  How’re you doing there?  Do you long to please God?

Oh, I pray so…..

Christine