Promises, Promises

You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. 2 Corinthians 9:7

One man committed to God to give a certain percentage of his income for as long as he lived. From his first week’s pay he gave one dollar to the Lord. Soon his weekly offering had increased to ten dollars. As time went on, he continued to prosper. Before long he was giving a hundred dollars a week, then two hundred, and in time, five hundred dollars a week.

This process started out as an intense joy because this man felt his hard work was making life better for many people. But after a while he found himself in conflict. He began to think this was his money and that he shouldn’t be giving away so much. Finally he called a close friend.

“Please come and see me,” he said. “You remember the promise I made to God years ago? How can I get released? When I made the promise, I only had to give a dollar, but now it’s five hundred dollars. I can’t afford to give away money like that.”

His wise friend said, “I’m afraid you cannot get a release from the promise, but there is something we can do. We can kneel down and ask God to shrink your income so that you can afford to give a dollar again.”

God deserves the best. First Chronicles 16:29 explains: “Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come to worship him. Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor.”

Has God blessed you? Have you asked God how he might use you to bless others?

“Lord, you gave me everything. All of what I have is really yours. How do you want me to best use it?”