GIVING WITH A RIGHT HEART II
1 Corinthians 16: 1 – 4
Offering to God must be done with deliberate planning and precision. It is not supposed to be done haphazardly. It must be guided by certain principles and given with the right attitude. Going back to previous studies, it has been established that God required willingness. It must come from your mind. It should not be by compulsion. Speak unto the children of Israel that they bring me an offering of every one that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. Exodus 25:2
This is the first principle. One must give with a willing heart. The second principle is that it must be planned. Paul here says: Upon the first day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him that there be no gatherings when I come. Verse 2
Long before the service day, plan what to give. If it is available at the moment, put it aside – lay it in store. This means you can save ahead concerning what to give. It also means keeping accurate record of what to pay especially if it is tithes and/or first fruits. Before you leave your house for church, get your offering aside. Separate it from other monies in your purse. Package it as may be required by the order in your congregation. It is not when the call is made that you begin to search your pockets and purses. It is not then you begin to ask your spouse for offering. Give your children their portion for offering beforehand. This is how not to appear before God empty.
. . . As God hath prospered him.
Your offering must be proportional to God’s blessing in your life. Some people have the erroneous belief that their offering must be a particular tiny amount they give every Sunday irrespective of how much God blesses them. This is not right. Apart from your tithe, give generously in reflection of and appreciation of what God is doing in your life. It shouldn’t be that particular currency note every Sunday. Let your offering be unpredictable; not just an X amount multiplied by 52 Sundays in a year. Let it rise as God raises you.
You can give yourself annual increments in giving. Why must you remain on the same spot in your giving while you expect and experience progress in other areas of your life. Beloved, wake up and give prophetically. Give not only according to how God has prospered you but according to how you expect God to prosper you. You dress for where you are going. You don’t want to get there first before dressing. In the same vein, you can give for your next level. Just let your heart be right.
PRAYER: I shall not remain on the same spot. Lord, guide my heart right in the area of giving in your house.
