7 Statements Your Giving Makes

giving

This past Sunday I preached from 1 Chronicles 28 and 29 on having a renewed vision for the work of God. Amazingly, after forty years of leading God’s people, David’s heart for God was still passionate, and his vision for God’s work was still fresh.

As I studied for this message, I was impressed by how David personally participated in providing materials for the construction of the tabernacle.

Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house—1 Chronicles 29:4

Even as David’s giving in preparing to build the temple made a strong statement, so when we personally give toward a big vision for God’s work, our actions also speak loudly.

I don’t know what opportunity God may be placing in front of you to financially give toward His work. Whatever that opportunity may be, your participation does more than directly support the work of God. It also makes several direct statements regarding your heart.

What does our giving toward God’s work say?

It says we have compassion for the lost. Buildings don’t change lives. But what happens in buildings can change lives. When you give to provide facilities to reach lost people for Christ, your giving demonstrates your compassion.
It says we have hope for the next generation. Pouring ourselves into a project that will be used even after we are gone says that we have hope for, believe in, and want to invest in the generation coming up after us.
It says we have faith in an eternal God. Sacrificial giving is evidence of our faith in a God who is bigger than our checkbooks and budgets and big enough to meet our needs and keep His promises.
It says we are still committed to our personal faith. What we give to is a clear indication of what we value. Giving to the work of God says we believe in the work of God and are committed to continued growth in faith.
It says we want to reach all people. Expanding the facilities of a ministry indicates that you desire to expand the outreach of a ministry—that you want to reach more people for Christ.
It says our pastor is committed to the long-term vision of the church. Pastors don’t begin massive building projects while privately planning to resign.
It says we are staking our claim in the community. Building new structures for ministry makes a clear statement to the community. It says, “We’re here to stay, we’re here to serve you, and we’re committed to give of ourselves to do both.”