Serious Money, Serious Impact: How to Faithfully Give to God's Work

Discover how to give serious money to the Lord's work in a way that honors God and benefits his kingdom. Learn about intentionality, sacrifice, generosity, discernment, and accountability in giving.

As Christians, we are called to give generously to the Lord's work. However, this can be a daunting task for many of us, especially when it comes to giving serious money. In this article, we will explore how to faithfully give serious money to the Lord's work in a way that honors God and benefits his kingdom.

1. Giving is a matter of the heart

Before we get into the specifics of how to give, it's important to understand that giving is a matter of the heart. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." In other words, our giving reflects our heart's priorities. If we are stingy with our money, it may be a sign of a selfish heart. Conversely, if we are generous with our money, it may be a sign of a heart that is focused on God and his kingdom.

2. Give with intentionality

When it comes to giving, intentionality is key. We need to be intentional about how much we give, where we give, and why we give. This means taking the time to prayerfully consider our giving, seeking God's guidance on how much to give and where to give it. It also means being intentional about our giving habits, setting aside a specific amount of money each month or year to give to the Lord's work.

3. Give sacrificially

Giving sacrificially means giving beyond what is comfortable or easy. It means giving to the point where it hurts a little, where we feel the sacrifice. This is what Jesus meant when he praised the poor widow for giving her two small coins in Mark 12:41-44. He said that she had given more than all the others because she had given out of her poverty, while they had given out of their abundance. Giving sacrificially requires trust in God's provision and a willingness to put his kingdom first.

4. Give generously

Generosity is a hallmark of the Christian life. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Giving generously means giving with a cheerful heart, not grudgingly or out of obligation. It means giving freely and joyfully, knowing that God will bless our generosity.

5. Give to the right places

Not all ministries or organizations are created equal. It's important to give to places that are Biblically sound and that align with our values. This means doing our research and vetting organizations before we give to them. We should look for ministries that are focused on spreading the gospel, meeting the needs of the poor and marginalized, and making a lasting impact for the kingdom of God.

6. Give with accountability

Accountability is important in all areas of our lives, including our giving. We should seek out accountability partners who can help us stay on track with our giving goals and hold us accountable for how we use our resources. This could be a trusted friend, a pastor, or a financial advisor. We should also be transparent about our giving, sharing our goals and progress with those who are supporting us.

In conclusion, giving serious money to the Lord's work is a privilege and a responsibility. It requires intentionality, sacrifice, generosity, discernment, and accountability. As we give, let us remember that our giving is ultimately an act of worship, a way to honor God and further his kingdom. May we give faithfully and joyfully, knowing that God will bless our obedience and use our resources for his glory.

FAQs:

1. What if I don't have a lot of money to give?

Even if you don't have a lot of money to give, you can still give sacrificially and generously. Remember the story of the poor widow who gave her two small coins. Jesus praised her for giving out of her poverty, not out of her abundance. The amount we give is not as important as the heart with which we give it.

2. How do I know which organizations to give to?

Do your research and vet organizations before you give to them. Look for ministries that are focused on spreading the gospel, meeting the needs of the poor and marginalized, and making a lasting impact for the kingdom of God. Talk to other Christians and seek out recommendations from trusted sources.

3. Should I give to my church or other organizations?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It's up to each individual to prayerfully consider where God is calling them to give. Some may feel led to give primarily to their local church, while others may feel led to support a variety of ministries and organizations.

4. Should I give anonymously or publicly?

This is a personal decision that depends on your circumstances and preferences. Giving anonymously can be a way to avoid drawing attention to yourself and to focus on the act of giving itself. However, giving publicly can be a way to encourage others to give and to be transparent about your giving habits.

5. How can I encourage others to give?

One of the best ways to encourage others to give is to lead by example. When others see us giving sacrificially and generously, it can inspire them to do the same. We can also share stories of how our giving has made a difference in the lives of others and encourage others to get involved in supporting ministries and organizations that align with their values.