THE CHRISTIAN GIVER

 THE CHRISTIAN GIVER PART 5

Happy weekend to you all. Today, we will continue on our series "The Christian Giver". I believe we have all been blessed so greatly. We must know that sound knowledge and understanding of a thing whether a principle or a way of life is necessary to reap outstanding results in it. We will further consider the biblical proofs of Christian Giving today and look at some enemies to our giving.

Biblical proofs of Giving

5. Abraham and the High priest Melchizedek (Genesis 14, Hebrews 7:1-3)

For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace. 

In this scripture, we see as the man Abraham gave unto the High priest of God who in turn blessed Him. Abraham recognized the place of giving not only to God but also unto His prophets, hence he did and received the profits.

Matthew 10:41; He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

6. King Solomon gave unto the Lord 1Kings 3:1-13

From the Bible, one of the men who walked with God in the place of Giving was King Solomon and for this He became one of the greatest kings in history.

The Bible records in 1 Kings 3 that Solomon offered unto the Lord a thousand burnt offerings. When we look at the life of Solomon, we see a man sold out to giving. Why could He do this? In verse 3 of the scripture; "and Solomon loved the LORD". Here, we see how it was possible for Him to give an acceptable sacrifice unto God because it was done in love. In the latter part of the scripture, we see how God gave him a blank cheque and how He got more than He asked. When we give as a lifestyle, we are bound to enjoy blessings as a way of life.

ENEMIES OF OUR GIVING

Now that we have understood what it takes to live a Giving life and we have looked at Biblical examples of Giving. Let's now look into what things that hinder our giving. We should know by now that not every gift is acceptable by God. Cain gave an offering in Genesis 4 but God had no respect to His offering. 

Philippians 4:18; But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

There is a way we give that causes the Heavens to turn in our direction and there is a way that shuts heavens over us.

1. Lack of understanding and knowledge:

The scripture says in Hosea 4:6 "My people perish for lack of knowledge". A wise man also once said that if the understanding of a thing is not known, the abuse is inevitable". If we all can have a deep understanding of Giving, then giving to God will not be something that is too difficult for us to do. We need to understand what giving is and why we are encouraged to give to God and also to His people.

2. Sin:

Proverbs 15:8; The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight". The sacrifice of a sinner is an abomination before God. God will not accept the sacrifice of a sinner and that is why we must be willing and ready to love God wholeheartedly and live a life that is pleasing to him. See Acts 5 :1-11; the story of Ananias and Sapphira.

3. Stinginess:

A lot of christians are stingy, they care too much about themselves that they don't even remember God or others. They find it hard to release that which they have, the same with Ananias and Sapphira his wife. When you squeeze or hold tight your hands, nothing can come in return but when you open your hands then you will receive something as well. Give and it shall be given unto you, this is what the Bible says.

4. Pride:

Many of us do not give to God or to others in need of help because we feel that where we are is by our power or might. Some christians believe that being successful is because they are hardworking and disciplined so they expect others to do the same. May I tell you that there are lots of people out there that are more hardworking and disciplined than you are. We must understand that if God did not build the house, the labourers labour in vain. It is God that crowns your labour with success.

It takes humility to give to God and others. Know that God will always look down on the proud but engrace the humble.

TO BE CONTINUED...

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