Oregon Ministry Network

Money! Money! Money!

That’s a word that will get your attention.

Recently one of our children called me to ask about money. Some parents would be anxious with such a call. However, they were not asking for money; instead, they wanted to talk about giving money. They had been asked to lead the offering portion of an upcoming service at their church and they wanted to discuss some of their thoughts in preparing for this important assignment. The call reminded me of the value and rewards of handling our money in a way that honors God. It reminded me of the phrase we repeat often in our home, "It pays to tithe."

Martin Luther once observed, "There are three conversations necessary: The conversation of the heart, mind and the purse. Of the three, it may well be that we moderns find the conversation of the purse the most difficult."

Money is one of those subjects that are often avoided by pastors. There is the perception that it is a topic too personal to discuss. But I would argue that this is subject that should not be avoided, because it is such a practical part of life and often is tied to what people hold to be important. I would urge us all to pray about money and speak, teach, and instruct regarding the true biblical perspective of stewardship and our relationship to God.

Here are some reasons speaking about money is important:
1. Jesus spoke frequently about money.
Jesus addressed the subject of money on numerous occasions. More than half of His parables touched on the topics of money, stewardship and giving. If it was important to Him, it should not be avoided by us.

2. The Bible has much to say about money.
It is worth noting that Solomon, considered one of the wisest and wealthiest men who ever lived, wrote a couple books of the Bible that addressed the topic of money.

Ecclesiastes tells us how money can get us into trouble, "Whoever loves money never has money enough…" (Ecclesiastes 5:10)

Proverbs tells us how money can help us get out of trouble, "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5)

Out of all the great words in the Bible, "give" is one of the most frequently used. "Believe" is used 272 times in the Bible. "Pray" is used 371 times. "Love" is used 714 times. However, it is worth noting that "give" is used 2,162 times.

It is worth remembering when it comes to our money the tithe is holy to the Lord. Larry Griswold recently wrote, "I love to hear a pastor or worship leader use phrasing like, 'We will continue in our worship to God, as we return the Lord’s tithe, and give our offerings to His work,' or something similar." To say, "The ushers are coming to take the offering," sounds like we are forcing people to give. Actually, we are to willfully and joyfully give to the Lord. "To 'take' an offering robs us of spiritual dynamic," says Griswold.

"'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.'" Malachi 3:10

This is not just a good idea; it is a God idea and has been proven over and over again. Let me encourage you as your brother in Christ and as a friend and lead elder in our Network, that we return to and revive the solid teaching within our churches that "the tithe belongs to the Lord."

I like what Griswold wrote, "To contribute to a church’s budget makes one a consumer (which allows them to ask, 'What am I getting in return?'). To return the Lord’s tithe makes one a worshipper, placing a whole different dynamic on it."

Let’s be courageous and take time to again share the biblical truths of tithing, giving and having the spirit of generosity.
Let’s not only teach it, but practice it as well. Your people will appreciate that you have told them the truth about how to deal with money. God will be honored and the people will be blessed.

Forward in faith!