Session 31

Can you be too generous?

From Numbers: A 5-Week Devotional

Einstein explained the law of conservation of energy by stating, "Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be changed from one form to another.” The physical universe around us has this energy, and none of us humans made it or have the ability to end it. People can harness it, change it from a form like chemical energy to kinetic energy (like with dynamite), but that's as far as we can go.

In truth, everything we have has been given to us. We didn't create any of it. The raw materials for cars, computers, and clothes have existed as long as the earth has.

Creating something from nothing is God's forte. At the beginning of everything, He spoke into the void and made everything we see. Plants, animals, iron ore, atomic structures, humans — all of it comes from God's endlessly creative mind and all-powerful will.

If we understand everything is a gift, not something we deserve, then giving a portion back to the Giver as a tithe looks like thankfulness. Sharing our wealth with other people is God-ordained generosity. God’s heart for how we need to handle His gifts hasn't changed since the time of ancient Israel.

In Numbers 31, God told Moses to give a tribute to Eleazar the priest as the Lord’s part of their earnings. We follow the same principle when we bring tithes and offerings to the church today.

The Bible promises: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

God doesn’t need our money, but He wants our obedience. Holding back from God stops us from experiencing His abundant provision for ourselves and others. Our obedience in giving partners with God's goodness to accomplish more with our money than we could imagine.

Reflect:

• What is your next step of obedience to God's word in regards to money?
• What's holding you back from following through?