There was a time we threw $5-10 into the plate and watched it travel down the pew wondering why we just gave up our hard-earned cash. We gave somewhat begrudgingly and without much joy.
Fast forward a few years and we joined Stonebridge (back when it was called the Cedar Hills Evangelical Free Church). We were maturing in our faith, and we heard here and there the word “tithe.” We found out what it meant and then figured out what our “tithe” would be. We both laughed. It was hilarious to think we could ever give that amount. Even so, we increased our giving to somewhere around 2-3%, which we thought was a stretch with three young kids and a lower middle-class income.
We also committed to increasing this amount over time. We wondered when would we reach the point where we just couldn’t give any more. It took a few years, but that breaking point never happened and we reached 10%! Our once begrudging attitude changed to being grateful that God was blessing us. With that feeling of gratefulness came great joy. It aligned with what we heard in church … giving was an act of worship.
Fast forward again and we’ve made a few more steps. We now tithe off the gross instead of the net because of the biblical concept of “first fruits” and now give a bit over 20%. We now think how hilarious it is that God enables us to give in this way. We are still not to the breaking point. God is worshiped, we are overjoyed and our church has grown in maturity and in size, as well as various Christian organizations we support. We have never suffered financially. I’ll challenge you to give a bit more and see if God will take you to a breaking point.
I’ve seen a clear pattern that has led to personal and corporate revival. During our compassionate encounters with pre-Christians, we listen twice and speak once. We draw them out to hear what’s troubling them (without force-feeding them our astonishing wisdom). We listen carefully to their worries and dreams. We quietly ponder how such matters might be met in Christ. Often, this may not include showing them the bridge illustration or pressuring them to attend church immediately.
I know a precious little girl whose attitude toward God was very stiff-necked just last summer, but who is now, by God’s grace, sweetly tender-hearted toward her Savior. This story is especially delightful to me, because it’s about my 4-year-old granddaughter. Her name is Evelyn. And I particularly want to share this with you, my church family, because Evelyn is one of “my two”
