WHO DOES IT BELONG TOO?

Acts 4:36-37

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

Too often when we think about giving, we start with the idea that something must happen for us first before we can consider helping out someone else: after we get the promotion and raise, after we buy a larger home, remodel the kitchen, get a new sofa, replace the old car, etc. There always seems to be a never ending list of things to do or acquire before the giving begins. This is the exact opposite idea of instruction from the Bible and how things are to work in God's family.

I am sure you are aware that the tithe required by the Old Testament would be the equivalent of 10% of your income (see Leviticus 27, Numbers 18, Deuteronomy 12 and 14). I am also sure that for some of us tithing like that would seem to border on the impossible. It represents too much of a financial burden. Take a moment and figure out how much 10% of your income is -- then make a list of what you would have to give up to tithe appropriately. Now you have honestly answered the question: Why is it so hard to give? The answer: It requires more sacrifice or compromise of our lifestyle than we are willing.

How did we get this attitude about tithing? How did our finances get so tight that we live paycheck to paycheck? There are lots of answers, but I think it all revolves around one central theme and that is: We think it all belongs to us. In other words, "It's mine, I earned it and I alone decide how to spend it." This is true for the financial liberal as well as the conservative. The only difference is how it's spent: either on consumer purchases or investment and retirement accounts. The bottom line is this -- the liberal and conservative are both in error in God's sight.

In Matthew 19:16-24, Jesus was approached by a rich young man who asked what he must do to enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus answered, "sell all that you have, give it to the poor and follow me." Jesus wasn't asking for 10%, He was asking for everything. You see, Jesus saw this young man's problem wasn't following the Law, it was allowing his possessions to possess him. Jesus goes on to say in verse 24, "it is easier for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

History tells us that in Jerusalem all commerce would stop at sunset or on the Sabbath because the gates allowing camels and caravans to enter the city were closed. One gate was left open for foot traffic to enter the city and that was the "Needle Gate" (which was actually a gate within the main entrance gate). A camel could fit through this gate if it was first unpacked (it's burden removed), and it crawled through on it's knees. This is a great picture for me. It tells me that if I am not careful, I can let my financial burdens (house, car, college tuition, etc) rob me of experiencing the joy of giving. So how do we free ourselves? We give what we have to God -- we follow Joseph's (Barnabas') example -- we take what we have and we put it at the foot of the cross for Jesus to do with it what He wills.

Those of us living in the United States are rich by the world's standard, so whether you live in an apartment or a mansion, drive a 10 year old car or a new top-of-the-line model -- You are the "rich young man" Jesus was speaking to and about. Ask yourself: who owns your television, health club membership, Starbucks card, or paycheck? What or who is the Lord of your life? Is it your possessions, or Jesus? God is the creator of the universe; if He wants to do something He doesn't need our money to do it. What He's after is our hearts. If we truly trust Jesus -- give Him our paychecks -- and let Him decide how to spend it. What is your next step in giving? Is it to see everything you have as God's? Is it to begin giving regularly? It is to trust God with the first 10%, and learn to live on the rest? What is it for you?

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