You Just Can’t Outgive God!

Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.”

Dear Kids,

You just can’t outgive God. A sure test of a person’s verbal commitment to the Lord is how she uses her money. When we honor Him by giving sacrificially, we put our wallet where our mouth is. Not only is it an act of obedience, but it is also a step of faith showing that we trust God to provide for our needs.

When we give to Him first, God has a way of giving back more. As an old country song said, “When we hand it out the front door, He hauls it in the back door.” The benefits we receive from obedient giving may not come in a financial form, but God will bless us when we demonstrate our trust and devotion.

When I was a young girl I didn’t have much money, but I had acquired a fifty-cent piece, which to me was quite a novelty. I tucked the coin away in a safe place to keep as a special treasure. Soon afterward a thought came to my mind that I should contribute to the church offering. The special coin came to my mind and I wrestled with whether I should give it or not. “I could probably come up with some other money,” I reasoned. But the silver coin nestled in its hiding place kept coming to mind. Finally, I decided I would give it – not because it was much money but because I wanted to give something special to the Lord.

It wasn’t too long later that Grandma gave me an opportunity to earn a little money. She asked me to babysit my younger siblings, Uncle David and Aunt Catherine, while she gave piano lessons. I gladly agreed, thrilled at the offer. Imagine my surprise when payday came and Grandma, not knowing of my decision, handed me a stack of 50-cent pieces. There was enough to fill a small jar. Isn’t that just like the Lord!

I have never forgotten that day! When you honor the Lord with your wealth, you can trust that He will take care of your needs. You may not receive a jar full of fifty-cent pieces or be repaid in a financial way, but one thing is sure – you can never outgive God.

Love,

Mama