Proverbs 3:9-10

Abba’s famous song ‘Money, money, money’ sums up a lot of our modern world’s thinking about wealth. The lyrics say: “In my dreams I have a plan / If I got me a wealthy man / I wouldn’t have to work at all, I’d fool around and have a ball / Money, money, money / Must be funny / In the rich man’s world / Money, money, money / Always sunny / In the rich man’s world”.

I’m not suggesting that people base their philosophy of life on Abba’s lyrics but the longing for money, and the belief that it solves all of life’s problems, is widely held. It just happens to be wrong. There is, of course, nothing wrong with money. It is part of God’s creation, but it is vital that we handle it in the right way.

In today’s verses, the writer of Proverbs reminds us of the need to give God first place in our lives by giving to him of what we have. This principle was firmly established in the law which decreed: “As you harvest your crops, bring the very best of the first harvest to the house of the LORD your God” (Exodus 23:19). God, the giver of all things, deserves nothing less than the best we can bring to him.

When the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, he encouraged the people to set aside money for God on the first day of each week (see 1 Corinthians 16:2). Elsewhere,in 2 Corinthians 8-9, he stresses the importance of giving eagerly, generously and joyfully. He urged the believers to give a proportion of what they earnt to God. These are all really helpful principles for us too. There is no law that demands we give, but these guidelines help ensure that we honour God with what he has given us.

QUESTION
What are the main principles that guide your own giving?

PRAYER
Loving God, you have always been generous to me. Help me to become increasingly eager, generous and joyful in my giving. Amen

Released on 15 Aug 2023