Fields of Gold

1. Fear hinders generosity: Overcome irrational financial anxieties

For many believers, cheerful giving has become fearful giving.

Fear paralyzes generosity. Many Christians struggle with giving due to financial anxieties rather than greed. These fears often stem from irrational thoughts about future needs and economic uncertainties. To overcome this, believers must recognize that withholding from God out of fear is counterproductive and illogical.

Confront your "what ifs". Common fears include:

• What if we can't afford groceries?
• What if we lose our job?
• What if unexpected expenses arise?

By addressing these concerns head-on and trusting God's provision, Christians can break free from the paralysis of financial fear and embrace generous giving as an act of faith.

2. Stewardship mindset: Recognize God as the true owner of your resources

Picture yourself receiving ten one-dollar bills from God. Remember, God is the owner and you're just a steward, not an owner.

Shift your perspective. Adopting a stewardship mindset is crucial for overcoming fear in giving. This involves recognizing that all resources ultimately belong to God, and we are merely managers of His wealth.

Practical implications:

• View your income as God's provision, not solely your earnings
• Make financial decisions with the awareness that you're handling God's resources
• Seek God's guidance in how to allocate His funds
• Embrace the responsibility and privilege of being a faithful steward

This mindset shift helps alleviate the fear of loss associated with giving, as you realize you're not giving away your own possessions but managing God's resources for His purposes.

3. The law of the harvest: Generous giving leads to abundant returns

. . . whoever sows generously will also reap generously . . .

Sowing and reaping principle. The Bible teaches that generous giving is not a loss but an investment with promised returns. This principle applies to finances as well as other areas of life.

Key aspects of the law of the harvest:

• There's a direct correlation between how much you give and how much you receive
• God promises to provide for the needs of generous givers
• The returns may not always be financial but can include spiritual blessings, joy, and eternal rewards
• This principle is not about getting rich but about partnering with God in His kingdom work

Understanding and embracing this principle can help overcome the fear that giving will lead to lack or poverty.

4. Priority giving: Put God first in your financial decisions

Of all the items in your monthly budget, giving should be the top priority. Not just a priority, but the first one.

First fruits principle. Prioritizing giving means allocating resources to God's work before addressing personal needs or wants. This act of faith demonstrates trust in God's provision and aligns your finances with His priorities.

Practical steps for priority giving:

1. Set aside your giving portion immediately upon receiving income
2. Create a budget that starts with your giving commitment
3. Adjust other expenses to accommodate your giving goals
4. View giving as an essential "bill" rather than an optional expense

By making giving a top priority, you position yourself to experience God's faithfulness and provision in your finances.

5. Percentage-based giving: Start with tithing and progress over time

For me, tithing on the gross amount is a reasonable proposition. I've found that you can adjust your lifestyle to fit just about any variable once you make up your mind to do so.

Start with a benchmark. While the New Testament doesn't mandate a specific percentage, tithing (giving 10% of income) provides a helpful starting point for developing a consistent giving practice.

Progressive giving strategy:

1. Begin with a percentage you can commit to consistently, even if it's less than 10%
2. Gradually increase your giving percentage over time
3. Consider tithing on gross income rather than net for greater impact
4. Regularly reassess your giving goals and adjust as your faith and finances grow

This approach allows for growth in generosity while providing a clear, measurable target for giving.

6. Prompted giving: Respond to God's nudges for spontaneous generosity

From time to time, God may prompt you to make a special gift that goes beyond a rote formula. It can be the most relational experience in all your giving.

Listen for divine nudges. While having a structured giving plan is important, remain open to God's prompts for spontaneous generosity. These moments often lead to powerful experiences of God's guidance and provision.

Characteristics of prompted giving:

• Often involves meeting unexpected needs
• May require stepping out in faith beyond your comfort zone
• Provides opportunities for immediate impact
• Strengthens your sensitivity to God's leading in finances

Cultivating a willingness to respond to these prompts can lead to some of the most joyful and meaningful giving experiences.

7. Invite God into your finances: Experience His provision and peace

If you want God involved in your finances, you need to put your finances to work for God's interests. And that means you need to give.

Partner with God. Inviting God into your finances through generous giving opens the door to experiencing His supernatural provision and peace. This partnership alleviates financial fears and anxiety.

Benefits of divine partnership in finances:

• Increased awareness of God's provision in your life
• Greater peace and contentment, regardless of circumstances
• Wisdom for financial decisions
• Opportunities to witness God's faithfulness firsthand

By actively involving God in your finances through giving, you position yourself to experience His involvement in meeting your needs.

8. Kingdom investments: Eternal rewards outweigh temporary losses

What is given away cannot be taken away. Money invested in God's kingdom is immediately out of reach of the most turbulent of economic conditions. It is the most secure of all investments.

Eternal perspective. Viewing giving as an investment in God's kingdom shifts the focus from temporary financial security to eternal rewards. This perspective helps overcome the fear of loss associated with giving.

Characteristics of kingdom investments:

• Immune to economic fluctuations and market crashes
• Yield eternal dividends beyond monetary returns
• Accumulate treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)
• Provide lasting significance and impact

Embracing this eternal perspective can liberate believers from the fear of financial insecurity and motivate generous giving.

9. The joy of giving: Move from obligation to passionate worship

You'll know you've gotten beyond your fear when you begin to experience joy in the act of giving.

Cultivate a giving heart. The ultimate goal of overcoming fear in giving is to experience the deep joy and fulfillment that comes from generous living. This joy transforms giving from a duty to a delight.

Signs of joyful giving:

• Excitement about making a kingdom impact
• Eagerness to find new giving opportunities
• Gratitude for the ability to participate in God's work
• Sense of purpose and fulfillment in financial stewardship

As fear diminishes and joy increases, giving becomes a natural expression of worship and love for God, rather than a burdensome obligation.

Last updated: October 20, 2024