Are you excluding students of increased blessing?
Acts 20: 35 says, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
This is a well known verse in the Bible. It is Luke writing in the book of Acts, quoting Paul who is in turn quoting Jesus. This verse is full of big hitters!
My question for you is this. Do you believe Jesus? Do you believe him that it is more of a blessing to give than it is to receive? He makes it quantifiable. Giving equals more blessing than receiving; receiving equals less blessing than giving. Both are good but giving is the best when it comes to blessing. Jesus is either right or he is wrong. Do you believe him?
The reason I’m labouring this point is because if you do believe him, it transforms the way you view inviting people to give to your church. If you invite someone to give, you are inviting them to step into increased blessing. They will be entering further into a marvellous journey of stewarding God’s resources in his Kingdom.
If you don’t invite people to give, you are not allowing them to step into this increased blessing. It’s utter madness that many churches don’t really invite students to give to church. They are saying those students should just come along to church and receive. Which is good, but not as good as giving. That more blessed position is reserved for those not studying for a degree. Why?! All disciples, regardless of their income, social status, marital status, age, race or occupation should be invited to give. This applies to children as well by the way. How do we expect people to give as adults if we don’t teach them to do so as children, youth or students?
Think for a moment of the people who you support financially. Who do you give to? We support a number of missionaries and organisations and I hope that our regular donation and prayer is a real blessing to them. But it is a greater blessing to us, because we are now part of God’s mission in this part of the Kingdom. Also, each time we give, we are a little bit more free from the grip of mammon than we were before we gave. Giving is releasing, freeing and very more-ish! Have you caught the generosity bug?
Can I encourage you to rethink the way you invite people to give in your church? Specifically, would you think of it as inviting people into increased blessing. Particularly, make sure you invite students into this journey. They will thank you forever!
PS - there is a biblical promise that God will bless those who give. But he doesn’t promise to make anyone rich! That’s prosperity gospel, which is nonsense. Read more here…
