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| Source: csmwire.com |
We've also discussed how the alternative--failing to tithe--is robbing from God Himself.
So, by now, you might be ready to take the next step.
What should you do? Where do you go from here?
For tithers and non-tithers alike, we are all on this same journey of faith when it comes to our money. For non-tithers, the first step would be to commit to tithing regularly. For those of us who do faithfully tithe, our next step would be to ask God how much more we can give.
Here's a great schematic of this giving journey, put out by my church leadership: (feel free to click on the picture to enlarge it and see it in greater detail)
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| Act 1.8 brochure, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church |
Basically, there are five "pitstops" along this journey of giving.
The first is the Initial Investor. This is a first-time giver, making the first step of faith to give and trust God and their church with their money.
Next is the Consistent Investor. This giver is someone who decides to give money on a regular, faithful basis.
The third stop is the Intentional Investor. This giver begins to ask whether they should be giving more to God than to the other things they are currently spending their time and money on.
Next is the Sacrificial Investor. This giver begins to ask whether they are giving in a way that changes them as a person and effects their lifestyle. This type of giving might require adjustments in the way they currently live and spend their time.
The last stop is the Lifetime Investor. This giver is no longer asking God how much they should be giving, but rather how much they ought to be keeping!
Hopefully you will be able to easily pinpoint where you are on this Investment Index.
If you are a first time tither, you would be starting out as the "Initial Investor." This is a HUGE first step, my friend!! I liken it to running training: the hardest race to train for is the 5K when you are just getting off the couch. I know this from experience! When I trained for my 10K, I found that it was much easier to work up to running 6 miles from 3 miles, compared to running 3 miles from just half a mile!
If you are already a faithful tither, how about praying to move along the path towards an "Intentional Investor," one that is prayerfully considering how to give more, over and above the tithe to their local church?
Let's say you do intentionally give, perhaps 14, 16, or even 18% of your income. How about asking God to enable you to give more sacrificially, so that it might effect the way you live?
"God prospers you not to raise your standard of living, but to raise your standard of giving." Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle
Finally, the last step on our financial journey is the "Lifetime Investor." This just makes me so excited--and scared--all at the same time! This investor no longer asks God, "How much should I give?" but instead dares to ask God, "How much should I keep?"
Yowzers!
Now imagine what God could do with a cheerful and generous giver like that?!
So where are you on this faith journey with your time, talent, and treasure, dear friend? What would the Lord have you give this year? Better yet, what would God have you keep?
I trust God will show each one of us the next step we need to make on this exciting journey of faith, as He changes our hearts to obey Him as He uses us to grow and expand His kingdom! May we prove to be faithful with the resources He has given us to steward, because, as we've discussed before, He already owns it all!
May you be blessed, dear friend 😊
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