So the past several weeks at church we've been studying Jesus' life through the book of Mark. (I got here at the end of the series). We came to the conclusion that following Jesus completely requires a response from us: a complete lifestyle change. We started a series last week that looks at the all the components of our life and how they change. Tonight we talked about our budget, and this is what Bryan said that stuck out to me (paraphrase):
2 Corinthians 8:8-15, especially verse 12
verse 12: "For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have."
We should give according to what we have, not according to what we do not have. There will always be something that we want but don't have. If we do not give generously, or at all, because of what we do not have, we are insulting God. We are saying "God, once you get your act together, once you take care of business, I will give back to you. Once you give me what I need, I will do what you have asked me to do." As if God sacrificing His son on the cross to cleanse you of your sin wasn't enough. As if God giving up his only child to make a way for you to spend eternity in heaven with Him wasn't enough to deserve our everything.
God doesn't need our money. He wants us to be able to share in the blessing of giving to His kingdom. He doesn't want something FROM you, He wants something FOR you.
Loving this adventure. Let it continue!
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