We can all give to the Lord’s cause in many ways, but the first thing that comes to my mind when I think about the subject of giving is the command to lay by in store.  

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (ESV)
¹  Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. ²  On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.

As preachers, we are sometimes uncomfortable dealing with the subject of giving monetarily because there is so much abuse regarding it in denominational churches.  TV evangelists, as well as others, beg for money regularly, even after millions of dollars are already given so that they can have brand new cars, luxury homes, and even personal private.  Still, the matter of giving to the Lord is not a subject that we can, or should, avoid altogether.

The word directed in 1 Corinthians 16:1 means “to arrange thoroughly,” or “to command” (Strong).  To whom was the command given?  In this case, to all the churches of Galatia first, and then to the church at Corinth.  Was the command given to just some in those local churches?  No, it was given to every member, that is, all those who had been prospered by God.  We can conclude, then, that we are all commanded to give, helping the local church to do the work God has given it to do.

Are you useful to the Lord when it comes to giving?  The more the local church gives to the Lord, the more work it can do.  It takes financial resources to accomplish all that the Lord has commanded the local church to do.  Evangelism, Benevolence, and Edification all necessitate the use of money at times.  Are you of help when it comes to this, or are you a hindrance?

God does not expect us to give what we do not have.  In this dispensation, He does not even demand that we give ten percent.  He only instructs us to give as we have prospered.  Who decides how much this is going to be?  We all decide for ourselves.  Be careful, however, that you do not under-evaluate how much God has prospered you?  Since God commanded His people to tithe in the previous dispensation, we know that it is reasonable to give that amount today.  It is NOT commanded, but it is reasonable.  Thus, if you give a whole lot less than that, you might need to reevaluate the amount that you are giving.

Whatever you give, be sure to do so with the proper attitude.  The heart is always important to God.  He cares not only about what we do, but why and how we do it.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)
⁷  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Let us all determine that we are going to be as useful as possible to the cause of Christ, even in the realm of giving.  It takes sacrifice to give as we have been prospered, but not nearly as much sacrifice as was involved in God giving His only Son as a propitiation for our sins.  Never forget, you cannot outgive God.                

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.