City Life Starter

Written by Stefan Johnsson

The Word

³² Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. ³³ And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. ³⁴ There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold ³⁵ and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. -Acts 4:32-35(ESV)

Reflection

When we talk about finances in the church, it always becomes a topic where few people want to be told what they should do with their money. I’ve spoken to people where they left a church that required a compulsory ten percent giving for members. Other people have left churches where the elders would cater to people who donate the most money so they don’t leave.

So what are Christians supposed to do? Well, first of all, there is no rule or obligation to give ten percent, but the Bible does talk about having a giving mindset. As Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first-fruits of all your produce.” So it is about honoring God with what we are given, not about a law requirement.

Do you trust God with your resources? If so, giving shows this.

Are you disciplined with what you are earning? If so, then giving shows this.

I could share story after story about how God has provided for me when I was obedient in giving. I would give someone a hundred dollars that I needed, and then I got a hundred dollars from someone else. God just wanted me to honor Him and to trust Him and because of this I have never turned away from giving my first-fruits.

Here’s the thing: God owns everything. You may have wealth one day, but the next it could all be gone. You may have received a better paying job because of your giving that you wouldn’t have had otherwise (ever stop to think about that?).

But I believe this also goes back to Acts 4. The mentality of the early church wasn’t that you couldn’t own possessions, but that material wealth was just a means to an end. So if it required one to sell something of value to provide for someone in need, it was done. Why? Because back then, being a Christian was like being ostracized in one’s own society. You were locked out of the good jobs, you were blacklisted by vendors, you were charged more or not even given a service, and people would shun you. So those who had gave to those who needed. (Sounds a lot like how Christians and Jews are treated in Muslim countries, no?)

Application

The more wealth you accumulate, the more responsibility and sacrifice within a church community it carries. I would also say that the wealthier one becomes, the harder it is to give. It may often come with a mindset to hold back giving because one never feels like one receives anything in return. It is an understandable feeling to have. Though, as shown in the Bible, it was often those without money that had a more sacrificial heart for giving, as it was with Paul’s experience (See 2 Corinthians 8:1-5) and Jesus’ teaching (See Mark 12:41-44). Why do you think that is?

So it all comes down to how you view money. Is it your end goal or is it a means to serve the Kingdom of God? And how can you help build a more close-knit community of believers in our church to change our city and our college campuses? These are questions to dwell on as you pray for God’s guidance with your finances.

Prayer

Father in heaven, help me to see finances as a way to serve Your kingdom. You have blessed me with what I have, be it great or small. So no matter what I have, let it be an offering to You. I want to honor You with all that You have given me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.