Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
“The Bible has a lot to say about giving, and the promises attached to it. Giving is a responsibility and a privilege. With that I mind, I want to share with you four biblical principles on giving from 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.
First, every believer in every church should give. Giving is a universal practice…Second, we learn that giving is to be done consistently and regularly…Third, giving is a personal act…Fourth, and lastly, we should prepare ourselves to invest in the work of God…
Not all our gifts will be equal but our sacrifice should be. Our giving should be in proportion to what we earn. Giving is an opportunity to be an obedient Christian. Take it seriously, but do it cheerfully.”
Jim Mindling is the senior pastor of Church of the Open Door where my parents attend in Elyria, Ohio. This excerpt comes from their 20/20 Vision Journey Guide, a great tool for growing givers in community.
God’s doing a good work through the ministry of Open Door in multiple venues. It was good to learn from my parents a bit of what their church is doing as I am currently researching church stewardship efforts. What’s your church doing?
This morning (Lord willing despite the Spring snowstorm pictured above), I will fly from Cleveland to Chicago to Fayetteville to serve my friends at the Arkansas Baptist Foundation. Tonight and tomorrow I will speak on The Choice: The Christ-Centered Pursuit of Kingdom Outcomes.
Father in heaven, by your Holy Spirit help my flights stay on schedule today and cause the seeds planted through teaching to take root and bear fruit for your glory. Do this for me and for each of us as we sow truth into the hearts of people. Hear my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.