"I was led by the Lord to give a certain amount for our church's world mission offering, and even though it was hard, I did. The very next week I un-expectedly received that amount, plus more money than I had given." I've heard many stories over the years like that. However, that is never our motivation for giving. It is clearly shown in God's Word that giving is a form of worship.
Giving is a paramount part of worship. The offerings that we receive in our churches and our response to appeals for those in need are part of this, but there is much more. At the very heart of the offering in worship is the giving or offering up of our lives to Him. God has created us to be channels of blessing to others. The only way we can do that is to allow Him to flow through us. He pours in and then says, "Trust me. Let go and more will come forth."
The act of worship includes coming to know God's heart and nature and worshipping Him with joy. This leads to trust in the Lord, and brings obedience. When we follow that path of obedience in our giving, we manifest another part of our worship. Giving, in fact, is a Biblical covenant of being faithful in our tithes and offerings.
When we give ourselves in worship, we are giving part of our lives. For most of us the investment of our time and talents produces a monetary reward. So what we give of that represents the whole of our lives. Our attitude should be "Lord, You are my life. You have created me and made me what I am. You have given me gifts and talents to do the work you provide for me. "
Our worship in giving is not just about monetary offerings. It is the giving of our service, assisting others, and caring and loving in the Lord's name. However, ultimately it is seeking God's heart - His heart to redeem man back to Himself; His heart for His mission; and then responding to Him in obedience. During this season of being challenged to pray, go, and give to His mission, may we remember that it is an act of worship of our Lord! mjm
