On any given day if you pick up a newspaper here in Australia, you will find top of the page some of the most regularly reported topics including climate change, healthcare, technology, and financial concerns. Of those financial concerns, such as cost of living, inflation and unemployment seem to have come to the top of that list with, pushing aside almost everything else.
Financial anxiety permeates our daily lives, often evoking a sense of worry and uncertainty. The famous ABBA lyrics, "Money, money, money, must be funny, in the rich man's world," aptly capture our society's preoccupation with wealth. When the rest of the world is busy talking about money - we in the church can sometimes feel like avoiding the topic. Here at church, there's an essential conversation about money that needs to be heard now more than ever.
Our world is highly anxious about money, and it’s easy to get swept away by this tide of worry. But the Bible offers a different perspective, placing wealth and provision within a broader, more meaningful context. Jesus, for example, frequently used money in His parables to illustrate deeper truths about life and faith. Church services often include moments of giving—weekly offerings, annual vision months, and special collections. Why do we give? And how should we approach these acts of giving?
Over the coming weeks, we’ll explore "why we give" from both a general Christian viewpoint and within the context of church life. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:24 remind us that “No one can serve two masters…You cannot serve both God and money.” Here, Jesus emphasizes that while money can be a useful tool, it should never become our master. True joy, peace, and contentment are found in serving God, not in the pursuit of wealth.
Life, from a Christian perspective, is about more than just accumulating money; it’s about responding to God’s immense love for us. Paul elaborates in 2 Corinthians 8:9: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” This passage reflects the sacrificial love of Jesus, who gave up His heavenly riches for our sake.
Let’s delve into an episode from Luke 7:36-50, where a sinful woman demonstrated deep generosity toward Jesus. She brought an alabaster jar of perfume and poured it over His feet, showing immense gratitude and love. Jesus contrasted her actions with those of the Pharisees, emphasizing that her great love stemmed from being forgiven much.
From this narrative, we draw three core truths about giving:
We give intentionally: The woman prepared herself to meet Jesus with an expensive gift. Are we as intentional in our financial giving? Our weekly offerings and acts of generosity should be premeditated, reflecting our thankfulness to Jesus.
We give because we love Jesus: Her actions were motivated by love for Jesus. Is our giving likewise rooted in love for God? Our financial gifts should be love offerings, expressions of our gratitude for His grace.
We give because we have been changed: The woman’s generosity was a response to the transformative grace of Jesus. Has His grace changed our lives? Our giving should reflect the deep impact Jesus’ grace has had on us.
ABBA’s longing for wealth contrasts sharply with the Christian understanding of true riches. Through God’s grace, we are rich beyond measure. Our giving isn’t about earning something; it’s a joyful response to God’s immense love and grace. As followers of Jesus, we give because He first gave to us.
Today, as we examine "why we give," let’s remember that our giving is not transactional but a heartfelt response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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