Giving from the Heart

The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.

– 1 Chronicles 29:9

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease (CVD) takes over 940,000 lives each year as the nation’s leading cause of death. The AHA also reports that roughly 50% of adults have some form of cardiovascular disease, and that a heart attack occurs about every 40 seconds in the U.S.

It’s obvious that America is dealing with a major health crisis. But there’s another serious heart problem that doesn’t involve cigarettes, cholesterol management, or low-fat diets: 

It’s that far too many Christ-followers lack a heart that’s willing to give according to the resources God has presented them. They might not be wealthy, but these Believers have something to offer. And when they do open their wallets, it’s often done grudgingly. But the biblical principle is for you and me to be generous with our money and possessions. That’s because we worship a God of generosity, and we should follow His example.

A related precept is the tithe, which means giving the first 10% of our income back to God through our local church. Of course, the One who created the universe with a word hardly needs our money. But embracing this savvy practice is immensely beneficial. For example, tithing helps the church serve the community, nation — and even the world — by turning the Good News about Jesus into tangible actions. Such purposeful giving also helps Christ-followers grow spiritually and demonstrate how much we differ from society. Moreover, it’s a declaration of our trust in God.

Why do many Christ-followers fail to give to their potential? For some, it’s a lack of sound biblical teaching on the matter. For others, it might be a lack of financial planning or even debt issues. And unfortunately, basic selfishness often figures into the equation.

Whether we’re rich or poor — or somewhere in the middle — being generous with our money and possessions is the antidote to worldly materialism. And when we give Jesus some of it, He can do lots with it … and with us along the way. So, with that in mind, let’s take this confirmation from Deuteronomy 15:10 to heart:

Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.