+DEV+ Giving as Worship

Date: November 1, 2011 9:01 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Giving as Worship

Giving as Worship

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." (2 CORINTHIANS 8:9)
Scripture Focus: Acts 2:42-4:37, 2 Corinthians 8-9

Since its inception, the church has, in some form or another, taken up an offering. In our day, however, while the practice has not died, the rich, theological meaning behind why we give as an act of worship has fallen on hard times. Often writing a check for the offering basket is done in the same perfunctory manner with which we write a check at the grocery store.

But giving financially to our churches - both in times of abundance but especially in times of economic need - is one of the most practical ways in which the Gospel impacts our life. At its heart, the Gospel is a gift from God: the gift of Jesus Christ to us that secures us an eternal home which our money could never buy. It is a gift of righteousness (Romans 5:17) that secures our favorable status before God. To the extent that our worship services draw our minds and our hearts to the magnitude and worth of that inexpressible gift, our hearts will be compelled to give as an act of worship to the great Giver, the one who has given us eternal life.

Insight: Do You Ever Think Of Your Money As Something Without Much Spiritual Importance? How Does The Gospel Change Your Perspective On Giving?