We are not a group of passengers on board of a cruise ship trying to have a good time.
We are a band of soldiers on board of a battleship sailing toward the battlefield.
For an army to win a war, we need
– Mission: We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world
– Attitude: Endurance is supported by a vivid hope
– Strategy: Follow the road map and bear the risks
– Supply: Provide resources and keep on fighting
“An army marches on its stomach.” – Napoleon
In order for a soldier to fight a good fight, he needs continuous support of supply and resources. He also needs to eliminate all the factors which hinder his fight, so that he can continue the battle and see the final victory at the very end.
What hinders our fight today?
Are we faithful enough to supply the church in his fight?
Are we faithful enough in our monthly giving, so that we an eliminate the financial burden that hinders the growth of the church?
In 2 Corinthians, Paul used the Macedonians church as an example to teach us about giving.
1. We give GENEROUSLY, because God will provide all we need.
The Macedonian church gave generously, even though they were in an extreme poverty. They trusted that God will take care of their needs. They believed that if what they walked in His path, God would provide what they needed. They would be always sufficient in God’s hands.
2. We give FAITHFULLY, because we only give what we have.
We are not asked to give more than what we can afford. The generosity of the Macedonian church was never defined by the amount they gave, but by their willingness to give faithfully.
Don’t worry about how much you can give. Just give faithfully. God is able to do great things through 5 loaves and two fishes.
3. We give CHEERFULLY, because Jesus gave Himself to us first.
Why did the Macedonian church give so willingly? It is because they remembered what Jesus had done to them. They remembered how Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross, so that they can have a new life.
Jesus’ love and grace become the major motivation for us to give.
You think you have given everything to God, indeed, God is the one who gave everything to you.
What kind of giver are you? Are you a generous, faithful, cheerful giver?
What keep you from being a generous, faithful, and cheerful giver?
Is the love of God and His grace enough to motivate you to become a “percentage giver” and give generously, faithfully and cheerfully?
