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2 Corinthians 9:7
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
I'm sitting in the car with my son and another car runs the red light and misses our car by 3 feet! As I release the brake and keep going, I just smile.
I could have gotten angry. I could have done like my dad and chased down the perpetrator to his house and demanded that he came out.
But I just calmly went to the next light and continued to enjoy the day with my son as we went to watch the new Minions: The Rise of Gru movie.
Why was I not flustered?
Why didn't I yell and scream?
Because I know God was showing me grace for my giving.
I know what you are thinking. What does tithing have to do with almost getting hit by a car?
I'm a big believer in giving, as I am sure you are as well. But society has taught us that tithing can only be given in money and that the blessings of God, for that giving, can only be returned in money.
This couldn't be further away from the truth.
So here are 3 Tips you can use, starting today, to be a cheerful giver.
Keep Your Focus On Giving
The worst thing a tither/giver can do is focus on the getting. This initial expectation is not unusual because that is how our society is set up. Even in investing, when you invest your money, the first thought in your mind is "What is the ROI (Return On Investment)?" "How much am I going to get if I sacrifice this money, not being in my possession?"
But when it comes to tithing, a return on investment is not the goal. Because the moment you ask yourself, "What am I getting back?" It is no longer a tithe/gift but a transaction.
It says in Deuteronomy 15:10 You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.
See how God doesn't say that he will bless you back the way you helped others, but he will bless you in ALL OF YOUR WORK, and ALL THAT YOU UNDERTAKE!
That leads me to my second tip.
2. Tithing comes back to you in different ways
When I watched that speeding car go down the street, I knew I was blessed and protected by God.
You have to understand that tithing is not an obligatory gift exchange at Christmas.
Have you had those situations?
Where during Christmas you give them a $50 gift card to a restaurant, and they give you a $50 gift card to a store?
It is truly just a transaction.
But what happens when they truly give from their heart?
You get a situation that occurred between me and my in-laws.
I remember one Christmas, when my sister-in-law and brother in-law gave me a pair of Croc Sandals.
They loved Crocs. They would talk about how soft they felt. They wore them in all different colors. They truly loved the Croc Brand. And they aren't expensive by no means.
So what did they do? Did they buy me the Crocs they liked?
No.
Even though they were a fan of the traditional Crocs style, they took the extra time to pick the style I would liked.
I love Flip Flops!
And I have been literally wearing the ones they gave me, daily, for the past 3 years.
I am actually wearing them now as I write this.
So let me ask you?
When they need help, do you think I dread it?
No.
I am cheerful because they gave it to me cheerfully. Their authenticity and love permeated the gift and it truly is a gift that keeps on giving.
The same thing happens when we tithe. The giving has a compound effect that goes beyond the gift itself.
I have clients who are donating to church buildings. Yes, the church will be built, but that means there will also be a place for the homeless to go. There will also be a place to worship on Sundays. There will also be a place for believers to fellowship.
When we take the time to really think about what we are giving and why, God will bless up abundantly, in different ways.
Even if it is saving us from a potential car crash.
3. Give without questioning how the money is used
Now don't get me wrong. I am not telling you to support causes that go against the Word of God. What I am saying is, if, the organization you are giving to, or the church that you tithe to, is doing God's work, continue to give without the emotional attachment of how it is spent.
Someone once told me, "Keep an open mind, but not so open that your brain falls out"
That means, trust as long as they can be trusted. That is why we pray to God for discernment.
If we see that who we are giving to, is not doing the right things, we have every right to stop giving to that cause or organization.
I actually encourage you to know exactly where your money is going.
But I am recommending that you DROP the attachment.
Too many times, our emotions go with the money but once that gift leaves your hands I want you to trust in God.
Let's face it.
That tithe/gift is going to do one of two things.
Either teach you never to trust that organization again and protect your future tithes.
Or
Confirm that they are responsible and you are doing the right thing by supporting them.
And in both situations, you WIN!!!
Remember...how we approach our day-to-day transactions is not how we should approach our tithing.
I am a firm believer in getting EVERY penny you deserve when it comes to the other 90% but to the 10%, let's allow God to work through us and the people WE CHOOSE to steward our tithes to those in need.
Thank you for reading!
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About the blog:
Many Christians struggle with the seemingly conflicting views about our faith and the pursuit of financial gain. They were taught that poverty was piety and that a lack of money was the only way to truly detach themselves from the love of money. Our blog debunks some of those claims, teaches you that you can be rich and righteous, and at the same time fulfill your obligation to tithe and give to the less fortunate. We are dedicated to helping you become cheerful givers by organizing your personal finances, providing investment tips to help you create wealth, and encouraging you to create a gifting strategy that will make your family and God proud.
Meet the Author:
A.B. Ridgeway, MBA (info@abrwealthmanagement.com) is the owner and Christian Financial Advisor with A.B. Ridgeway Wealth Management. With a decade in the finance industry, his goal is to give believers clarity around the most confusing topic in the Bible, money, and tithing. A.B. Ridgeway helps tithing Christians become cheerful givers but unlocking their money-making potential, so they can prosper and be the great stewards of the wealth God has entrusted them with.
This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.