2 Chronicles 31:4
“Also he told the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, so that they might devote themselves to the Law of the LORD.”
The king is asking the people to support the priests money or some sort of sustenance. This is tough. Particularly if you have a family. Then both parties have to agree on if to give and how much. The problem here might be the the couple isn’t equally yoked spiritually. They both might not believe or not to the same degree. This usually happens when one comes to Christ after the marriage. If one doesn’t agree, then the other may have to offer their time or something that isn’t financial.
Even for believers this is tough. If someone isn’t giving, then they should start small. God will help us with this. It’s an exercise in faith.
2 Corinthians 9:7 gives us some insight into our attitude, “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.” Early in my faith I did much out of compulsion or guilt. This verse helped me. So, tithing isn’t a hard number. It’s a good goal, but God will work with us there.
Mark 9:23,24 has a great dialogue, ‘But Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible for the one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”’ I am so thankful that God put this in the bible. We believe, but there usually is some apprehension. It may be doubt, fear or guilt. God understands.
Giving, especially money, is a big step in maturity. Most are quite attached to their bank accounts. Allowing God in is a big deal. God is able to provide financially for all His work. However, He chooses to prompt people to give. It’s a big step in allowing Jesus to be Lord.
Jesus had an uncomfortable conversation with the rich young ruler. He approached Jesus and asked Him how to have eternal life. He shared some things. He said he has done those. Then comes the difficult challenge, ‘Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But he was deeply dismayed by these words, and he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property’, (Mark 10:21,22). He may have come around and obeyed Jesus. But at the time it was too much. I can recall wrestling with giving things up. Some things were easy, others took time. This is an extreme example. It’s close to Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son. God didn’t allow him to do it, but the difficult request was there. God may have stopped this young man or gave it back once he sacrificed it.
God is to be on the throne of our lives. The Four Spiritual Laws track gives two great diagrams. One is a life in chaos with us on the throne. The other has an orderly balanced life with Jesus on the throne. We will have to bow our knees in several areas. We are blessed when we do.
Lord, thank You for the lesson of giving. Help us to give. Help us to make You the lord of our lives.