Consumers vs. Contributors
Sowing Generously – Part 2

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:6

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Continuing from yesterday’s devotional, I want to return to my personal story of giving to my favorite Christian radio station.  When I decided to stop being a consumer only and become a contributor, I did not want it to be a flash in the pan. I didn’t want to give just a couple of times and then slowly fall back into being simply a consumer, so I automated my giving to this station.  This small donation comes out of my checkbook automatically every month.  I do the same thing with everything that is really important to me to stay consistent.

            If you decide you want to be a contributor, as well as a consumer at your church, I would encourage you to automate your giving.  If you are not computer savvy, your bank can help you make that happen.  This type of process tells God we are serious about faithfulness!  We don’t want to be flip floppers, starting and stopping things that we declare to be important!

            Our scriptural passage reminds us to be generous.  What is generous?  Is it up to us to decide correctly?  In my opinion, the tithe (10%) is a good base to go by.  It need not be legalistic but simply a plumb line to help us know what generous giving is.  God says in Malachi 3:6: “I the Lord do not change” and went on to instruct His people to return to giving their tithes and offerings to His kingdom (Malachi 3:6-12).

Father, I want to be a partner in helping build your kingdom on earth.  I will give my tithe, as well as offerings as you lead me in this world.  In Jesus’ name, amen.