Do you find that it’s hard to be humbe? Are you like Mac Davis and crow about how you’re perfect in everyway? Ha! I bet not. And good thing – Jesus tells us in Luke 14:11 “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Giving as the first category of spending in the budget intentionally humbles ourselves before God and puts Him first – ahead of everything else. It is humbly acknowledging Him as the source and provider of all we have. It is how we show deference and respect for His authority in our lives.
The Old Testament philosopher Ben Sira gives us great advice about humility:
My son, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find mercy in the sight of God. For great is the power of the Lord; by the humble he is glorified. (Sirach 3:17-20)
The Church teaches that we are to give sacrificially – just at the edge of what we think we can afford. Giving sacrificially is putting our budget in the lowest seat at the banquet, the advice Jesus gives us in verse 10. It is our admission of being dependent on God. It is our humble trust that He will provide what we need. It is a strong statement of our gratitude for all of the blessings He gives us.
So, in overwhelming gratitude and utmost humility, give sacrificially.
Photo Credit: Robert Davis
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