Giving of You Whole Life
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Giving of You Whole Life
"Giving of Your Whole Life" delves into the profound act of surrendering every aspect of our lives to God, including our finances. This session isn't about fulfilling an obligation; it's about expressing our heart's alignment with God's purposes. Tithing serves as a litmus test, revealing where our true treasures lie. Here, we'll explore how giving, in all its forms, reflects our total commitment to following Jesus.
The Fullness of Following Jesus
To truly follow Jesus means surrendering every facet of our existence to Him. This commitment often finds a tangible expression in how we handle our finances. The story of the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-23) starkly illustrates this challenge. Jesus' call to sell everything and give to the poor is a dramatic invitation to trust wholly in God's provision. How do you reconcile this call with the practical necessities of daily life?
The Heart of Giving
Proverbs 3:9-10 teaches us to honor God with our wealth and the first fruits of our labor, promising divine abundance in return. This principle of giving our best back to God isn't about the quantity but the quality of our offering, reflecting our trust and gratitude towards Him.
Understanding Tithing
Tithing, the practice of giving a tenth of our earnings to God, finds its roots in Abraham's act of gratitude towards Melchizedek (Genesis 14:17-20). This wasn't a burdensome requirement but a joyful response to God's provision and faithfulness. Leviticus 27:30-33 later formalizes this practice, inviting God's people into a rhythm of giving that acknowledges His sovereignty over all resources.
The prophetic words of Malachi 3:8-10 reveal the consequences of withholding tithes and the blessings that follow obedience. In the New Covenant, Jesus fulfills the law (Galatians 3:13), shifting the focus from obligation to opportunity. Luke 6:38 encapsulates this new paradigm, promising that our generosity will be met with overflowing blessings.
Your Response to Giving
As a believer, the question isn't whether you must give a fixed percentage, but how you can reflect God's generosity through your own. The New Testament encourages us to give not out of compulsion but cheerfully, as an act of worship (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Where to Give
Your contributions should flow from a heart of generosity, extending to anyone in need. Yet, tithing specifically supports the community that nurtures your spiritual growth. If "The Way" is your spiritual home, it's fitting that your tithes help sustain and grow this community.
Reflect and Respond:
Reflect on the concept of giving your whole life to God. How does this holistic approach to stewardship challenge or affirm your current practices?
Consider the role of tithing in your spiritual journey. How does giving a portion of your income as a tithe help you to remember and honor God's provision in your life?
In what ways can you cultivate a cheerful and generous heart towards giving, ensuring it reflects your gratitude and trust in God?
In embracing the call to give our whole lives to God, we find that our finances are merely one aspect of a much broader spectrum of stewardship. This journey of giving is not about meeting a quota but about living in a way that our entire lives—resources, time, talents—testify to the lordship of Jesus and our trust in His endless provision.