In Hebrews 12:11 it says, “At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain.” Is giving a cause for pain? Giving, especially when we give as God calls us to give, as the Church teaches – sacrificially, can seem to be a cause for pain. We worry almsgiving will be painful as it will probably force us to give up spending on things and activities that are more fun and enjoyable.
Discipleship calls for us to be disciplined in our giving. Budgeting requires discipline. Most of us think of budgeting as a painful exercise that can feel like drudgery. But, think of budgeting as a conversation – a heart-to-heart between you and your spouse, and you and God. Talk through your plans for spending the resources God provides. And in that, determine how much of those resources will go to almsgiving.
Tithing imposes disciplined priority in your budget. It is your positive declaration that like Joshua, you will serve the Lord (Josh 24:15). Attitude, the desire to want to give, the willingness to detach from the desire for more stuff are integral to the process. Prepare a budget with tithing as the first spending item and see what happens.
Generosity is the salve that eases the pain of financial worries.The passage in Hebrews 12 goes on to say that discipline eventually brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness. The discipline of Giving sacrificially is your intentional acknowledgment of God’s authority in your life. Giving to causes you care about brings meaning and purpose to your life. Giving brings you joy!
Photo Credit: Robert Davis
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