New Year's Resolution: God First in Every Area of Your Life

Put God first in every area of your life, including with your finances. When we resolve to live this way, we show our love for God. We deepen our relationship with Jesus. We become better disciples and better stewards. Stewardship is humbly acknowledging that every thing we have is a gift to us from God. In overwhelming gratefulness and all humility, we give back to God by sharing our resources with those most in need. By courageously putting God first in every aspect of our lives – including with money, we begin to realize a sense of peace and wellbeing, the peace of God that is beyond understanding (Phil 4:7). We know from Acts 20: 35 that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Consider these seven spiritual benefits of giving:

Giving and Blessing are gifts from God. God is a giver. As disciples, we should strive to be like Him. Whenever we give, we are being like Him. When our giving is sacrificial—a bit uncomfortable and for the benefit of others—then in our small-scale way we approach the sacrificial self-giving of Jesus on the cross. Our giving becomes our preaching of the Gospel.
When we give, we experience a unique closeness to God, our Father that only comes to us as we are generous. Like all parents, God wants to see His children being kind and generous and loving. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9: 7).
Obedience to God’s commands to give is our intentional acknowledgement of His authority in our life. He is entitled to honor and respect. His Divine Lordship over every facet of our life, including our money, is not a threat, but a place of safety and security.
Giving is the manifestation of our faith and trust in God to provide. “Let your lives be free from the love of money but be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never forsake you or abandon you.’” (Heb 13: 5)
Giving makes us active participants in the mission of the Church. It makes us a part of something larger, more majestic, and holier than ourselves.
Sacrificial giving is self-denial. It is laying our worldly desires at the foot of the cross, and there receiving God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness. “Beloved, I urge you as aliens and sojourners to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against the soul.” (1 Pet 2: 11)
Giving is an act of praise and worship of our God. It is an expression of gratitude for all the blessings God gives to us.

Take a moment to reflect on all the blessings and benefits God gives to you. How will you be a better steward of those gifts this new year and always? How can you put God First in every area of your life?

“What shall I render to the Lord for all the great good done for me?” (Ps 116: 12)

#resolutions #spirituality #giving