Growing up, there were three conversations to avoid: religion, politics and sex. Things have changed over the years! This past week, Michael White and Tom Corcoran have raised a fourth unpopular conversation in Church world: money. I’m grateful for this week to personally reflect on the different approaches to giving money to raise up God’s Kingdom.
Paul wrote, “Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”—2 Corinthians 9:7. I think I tend to be more the reluctant giver. Like many, is my money being used by the “true needy?” Is my money being legitimately used? As I write this, I noticed I’m using the words “my money.” I need to be reminded everything I have, including money, is God’s. I’m a steward.
The questions wrapping up week 3 challenge more self reflection:
Do you tend to have an abundance mindset or a scarcity mindset? Why do you think you lean toward one mindset or the other?
Who has provided for you? Whom do you need to thank God for because they have given generously in your life?
When have you given cheerfully and found yourself grateful for the opportunity to give to others? How has this week’s focus on tithing and giving affected your attitude toward giving?
If I have a tendency to be a reluctant giver, I must be thinking from a scarcity mindset Our culture emphasizes taking care of number one … me. It’s so important for me to reflect and reset myself with an abundance mindset.
Over my nearly seven decades of life, many people have provided for me without hesitation. Family, friends, parishioners are just some who I am grateful. I can’t think of a time when someone provided for me that wasn’t “cheerful giving.”
In reality, when I from time, talent, or treasure, the giving is small in comparison to blessings received back. The more I live from an abundance mindset, the more I give with a cheerful heart.
This week, let go and let God. It was said in today’s reflection: “Paul reveals the key to giving. He tells the Corinthians to be intentional about their gift, to give not because they feel compelled to give but to give cheerfully.” Abundance mindset leads to intentional giving. I can do that!