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By David Wright Before giving thanks for the offering on Sunday morning, Jerry Montgomery asked an excellent question: “God already owns everything. He doesn't need our money. Why should we give?” It is certainly true that the Lord possesses all things. God says that “every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world and all that is in it is mine” (Ps. 50:10-12). The first stanza of an old hymn affirms that “we give Thee but Thine own, what-e'er the gift may be; all that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee.” The message of this song is consistent with scripture. When the people of Israel gave generously for the construction of the temple to be built by his son Solomon, King David joyously praised the Lord before the assembly, saying, “All that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine. […] Both riches and honor come from thee, and thou rulest over all. […] All things come from thee, and of thy own have we given thee. […] O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building thee a house for thy holy name comes from thy hand and is all thy own” (1 Chron. 29:11, 12, 14, 16). So, why should Christians give? The apostle Paul shares a stunning truth with his brothers and sisters in Corinth: The “treasure” of preaching Jesus has been entrusted to “earthen vessels” (2 Cor. 4:7). In other words, if a lost sinner hears the truth, it is because we teach him. The Lord will not send an angel to declare the good news of his Son, nor will he miraculously provide the money essential to the church's soul-winning efforts. If Christians refuse to give, lost people have no hope. What an enormous responsibility! But the church's primary task is also a joy. The Lord of heaven and earth trusts us to accomplish his all-important work. What an enormous honor! |
