Giving

4 Ways Giving Enables Worship: Beyond the Offering Plate

Giving. It’s a word that often brings to mind the offering plate on a Sunday morning. But what if giving was more than just a transaction? What if it was an act of worship, a way to connect with God and impact the world around us?

1. Giving is Worship: An Act of Obedience

Worship isn’t confined to singing hymns or listening to sermons. It’s about serving God in every aspect of our lives, including our finances. When we give, we’re acknowledging that everything we have comes from God. It’s an act of obedience, a way of saying, “God, I trust you with my resources.”

The apostle Paul encourages us to excel in giving, just as we excel in other areas of our faith:

“Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.” – 2 Cor 8:7

Giving, in this context, becomes a tangible expression of our devotion. It’s a way to demonstrate that our faith isn’t just words, but action.

2. Giving Invests in Inviting Others to Worship: Expanding God’s Kingdom

When we give, we’re not just supporting a church building or a program. We’re investing in the mission of sharing the good news of Jesus with others. Our generosity enables ministries to reach out to those who may have never experienced the love of God.

Think about the joy that comes from someone encountering Jesus for the first time. That’s what our giving can help facilitate. As we read in Acts:

“And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.” – Acts 16:34

Our giving plays a part in that kind of joy. It allows us to be part of something bigger than ourselves, something that has eternal significance.

3. Giving Keeps Our Worship About God, Not Money: A Heart Check

Our relationship with money can reveal a lot about our hearts. Regular self-examination of our giving habits can help us assess where our priorities lie and what we’re looking to for security. Are we serving God, or are we serving money?

Jesus himself warned against serving two masters:

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” – Matt 5:24

Giving, when done sacrificially, helps us keep our focus on God. It’s a way to remind ourselves that he is our provider, our security, and our ultimate treasure.

4. God Blesses Giving With More Opportunities to Give: A Generosity Cycle

The Bible teaches us that God blesses generosity. When we give, he often provides us with more opportunities to give. This isn’t a prosperity gospel promise, but a principle of sowing and reaping.

Paul writes:

“You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” – 1 Cor 9:11

Our generosity becomes a cycle of blessing, not just for ourselves, but for others as well. It creates a ripple effect of gratitude and praise to God.

Giving: A Holistic Act of Worship

Giving isn’t just about money. It’s about our hearts, our priorities, and our relationship with God. When we give, we’re participating in an act of worship that has the potential to transform lives, both our own and those around us. It’s a way to live out our faith in a tangible and meaningful way.

So, the next time you consider giving, remember that it’s more than just a transaction. It’s an opportunity to worship, to invest, to keep our hearts in check, and to participate in God’s ongoing work in the world.