Giving all, leaving none

Giving all, leaving none

 Acts 4:32-37

Key verse: Acts 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

This text is an explicit illustration of one of the cardinals of the communal life of the Christian church, the others being Prayer, the study of the Word, reaching the unsaved, bearing one another’s burden, etc. Giving in the Christ circle originates from a sense of simply being in charge of what God owns. It is the administration of the resources that the Lord has put in our care for His ultimate purpose. The lack of this basic understanding is what has bastardized the entire act of Christian giving.

Giving to the Lord is not a “trade by barter” affair whereas, we offer 10% to the Lord and He’s expected to give back to us ten, hundred, or thousand folds in returns; other people also give to God as a penance for their sins or as a bribe to answer their prayers. Giving is not entirely fulfilled in the mandatory or recorded offerings we give at denominational services. Rather, it encompasses the entire oversight of all our resources for the usefulness of God’s kingdom agenda. Just like as a dear brother said “If He’s not Lord of all, He’s not Lord at all”. When we come to this revelation, that all we own belongs to God, and we release everything willingly and joyfully, we fulfill His will. The church of old was of “one heart and of one soul” in that the supreme goal of their giving was that everything they had belonged to the Lord, and the more they had, the more available resources discharged for the duties of His work. They didn’t take the blessings that proceeded after giving to the Lord as their rewards for being givers but gave those abundances back to the work of the ministry.

We should also learn from the administration of these contributions toward meeting the spiritual and physical needs of the people rather than erecting structures or creating wealth for the leadership echelon which end up displeasing the Lord. The quantity of our giving must be synonymous with the quality of worship in our heart- Mark 12:41-44 (verse 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living).

As a dire warning, the example of Ananias and Sapphira and the unusual judgment meted out to them tells us of the danger of giving with an evil and insincere heart. They wanted to be reckoned as eminent givers in the assembly while still nurturing sinful habits. Not all offerings, contributions, or good deeds are acceptable before God, especially if the core component of righteousness is missing- Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Meditation

1
Give of your best to the master,
Give of the strength of your youth;
Throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor
Into the battle for truth.
Jesus has set the example
Dauntless was He, young and brave;
Give Him your loyal devotion,
Give Him the best that you have.

Refrain
Give of your best to the master,
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.

2
Give of your best to the Master,
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service,
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you shall be given –
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.

3
Give of your best to the Master,
Naught else is worthy His love;
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Have up His glory above;
Laid down His life without murmur,
You from sin’s ruin to save;
Give Him your heart’s adoration,
Give Him the best that you have.