When Your Giving has Rhythm!
I am not really a huge fan of musicals, BUT I do love how they are able to take the most mundane of life’s activities into an incredible scene filled with music and dance. I have always wanted to order a cheeseburger and everyone break out into harmonious song, and choreographed dance. Or, change the oil in my car while crooning over my life’s love. Of, walking in the rain and… well you get the picture.
God has a lot to say about Giving.
Matthew 10:42 (NLT) “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”
It is rewarded. I once heard a pastor say, “You’ll never lack in the things you learn to give away.” God notices when we give, in fact there is a story in the Bible which describes Jesus literally taking a seat at the Temple treasure just to watch people give. The odd thing about that story is that Jesus was impressed with the woman who gave the least. (Mark 12:43)
It is humbling. We are only able to give as God has blessed us, or has given to us. When we give it helps us put our finances into a proper perspective by realizing everything is given to us, and it’s not ALL for us.
Luke 6:38 (NLT) Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”
It is multiplied. Living with an open hand leads to living with an open heart. It’s easy for God to pour into things that are open. In other words, giving prepares us to receive real riches. Real riches are worth much more than mere money.
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT) You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
It is Fun. God loves a cheerful giver. Giving can become it’s own reward. Often when we give to others, and when we invest in ministries that we believe in, we know we have accomplished something truly significant. It’s not often we get to do things that really matter, so much get’s lost in the daily grind of life, but giving pulls us out of the mundane and into the momentous.
Consider the power of REGULAR “Rhythmic” GIVING?
IT gets our attention. One time giving is good and immediately rewarding no doubt, but when I give regularly I am reminded each time if give. Each time I give, I reconnect with the ministry to which I am giving. I am reminded of my missionary and their family. I often pray for them and ask God to provide for them.
It makes sense. Most of our finances work in regular cycles. We have obligations that present themselves weekly, monthly, and annually. As responsible adults we often have some kind of plan for these things. Ministries work the same way, they budget the same way.
It’s an investment. Most have seen the power of small regular contributions to a savings account or investment account. When we give to a ministry, we use our resources as investments into God’s Kingdom. That’s awesome and it also pays huge dividends both personally and to the advantage of the ministry.
4 Simple Ways to Get Your Rhythm
Support Your own Church. Churches operate on budgets and their decisions for the future of ministry are always either limited or expanded by giving.
Support a Missionary. So many missionaries live entirely from the giving of others. It is rare person indeed who is willing to leave behind the “American Dream” and raise financial support in order to go love people and share Jesus with those in places where there is no support.
Support a Ministry. There are all kinds of ministries doing great things! Some are feeding hungry people, others are rescuing people, still others are housing people, setting them free, and giving hope. You can be a real part of something truly great.
Support a Community Outreach. Your own community most likely has some great organizations that are working hard to make life better for others.
It’s better to start small than not start at all!
And please keep in mind, it’s better to start small than not start at all! We often are waiting for our proverbial “Ducks to get in a row.” Well, they never do, they’re ducks, and they do what they want. If you start today, no matter how small, your ability and desire to give will most likely grow.
Also, when we give our money, our hearts tend to follow and we get involved. Getting involved changes everything!
Discussion Questions:
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- Many people accuse churches and Christian nonprofits of “only being interested in your money”. Why do you think they make such a claim?
- Discuss Luke 6:38. What are some ways God might give back to us through others?
- In Acts 20:35 Paul said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Do you agree? Why?
- Would regular or “rhythmic” giving be a larger blessing to a Missionary or Ministry than sporadic giving? Explain?
- Discuss an encouragement you have received from a ministry that you support. Are glad to be a part of that ministry? Why?
- Why not share with your group some ministries you are glad to support? Share some ministries you would like to support in the future. Be sure to point out why you care about these ministries.
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.