Worse than giving to be seen is giving only because you want something in return. For such giving is rooted in selfish greed.
GREED IS IDOLATRY
Giving must first be simply because God commands it. After all, all things are freely given of Him. Indeed, we would have nothing to give had not God first given it. Secondly, giving is unto those who are in need, and there is no favoritism in it. Remember, God places some people before you specifically to test your obedience to Him.
Giving is the only area in where man is specifically invited to test God:
Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
That's not just a promise when you give at the church building, but likewise when you give to His people who are in need, whom He says is "His House." As it is written, such giving lends to God. But, how begrudged to respond with a spirit of anger, resentment, and mistreatment toward the one to whom you have given because you don't get something in return. That ugly spirit is likewise offered unto God.
Giving is the only area in where man is specifically invited to test God:
Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
That's not just a promise when you give at the church building, but likewise when you give to His people who are in need, whom He says is "His House." As it is written, such giving lends to God. But, how begrudged to respond with a spirit of anger, resentment, and mistreatment toward the one to whom you have given because you don't get something in return. That ugly spirit is likewise offered unto God.
Check your spirit.
Withholding goods, resentful giving, and giving out of selfish greed only serves to tempt God. But, giving with the spirit of obedience, and in accordance to His protocol pleases Him.
~
