Is it all about money?

So far it's been a great month at Wyandotte Family for "Upick." This past Sunday we talked about "Why are Christians so judgmental?". You can listen to the message on our website at http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html or you can listen on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wyandotte-family-church/id478735158?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 


Let’s continue through our "Upick" questions this week as we look at blog question #4 "Why does the church always ask for money?"
That is a great question. Money. Something everyone in the world wishes they had more of. If you and I were authentic in this moment, we probably have thought that more money would = more happiness. Obviously, it really doesn't in the long run. So, what's up with the church asking for money. 


There are several reasons and 3 different angles of the topic I would like to address. Before I do, however, I can't ignore the reality. Have many pastors, priests and churches done wrong and abused the money, yes. In every profession and every field, there are those who give others a bad reputation by their poor choices. There are other pastors and churches that have affected all churches with their poor choices. Unfortunately you have not heard of the thousands of churches that are handling the money given with integrity and excellent stewardship. 
In spite of people’s wrong and evil choices, it still doesn't change the importance and blessing that comes with giving. 


#1--Practical--Money is needed to operate. Every organization, business, non-profit operates on money. They have an overhead of employees, facility, utilities, supplies etc. We are all too aware of businesses closing due to the recent economy. 
The church is in the same boat. However, we are not selling a product. What we are striving to do; share the truth of God's love, get people connected to a family & help people discover the gifts & talents in order to serve others, is all free. We don't have a cover charge to get in church. Therefore, if people do not give, it is pretty simple, that specific church body will no longer have a meeting spot or the programming for children's, teens etc. 


#2-Community--The more people that give the more can be accomplished in a community. Every church as a specific vision and focus. At Wyandotte Family we give 16% of our general fund away. We love to practice the very thing we are asking you to do. We support missionaries in 2 countries and Life Challenge of Detroit, a Christian rehabilitation center and have a missions fund to help support missionaries that are in need. We also give 12% back into the community through Third Friday's, our annual "Week in Wyandotte" (www.weekinwyandotte.org), the Street Fair and our "Blessing Project."

When the people of the church are faithful in their giving, the collective church is able to give back and touch other people's lives.


#3--Spiritual--Money is not the root of all evil...the love of money is. Money is often the #1 contender with God for our heart. It wants to give us the illusion of control and power. Yet, we all know how elusive, unreliable and unsecure it really is. It can be here in one moment and gone the next. 


God has set up practices and principles of giving as a way to keep us from making it our God. If we continually give to Him, then we are saying, God you are my #1 and I'll show you by my obedience and generosity. Here are 6 benefits of giving. 


Six Benefits of Giving


1. Giving makes me more like God
John 3: 16-God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…


2. Giving draws me Closer to God.
Matthew 6:21-Where your treasure is, there your heart is also


3. Giving is the antidote to Materialism.
1 Timothy 6:17-19-Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to be generous and willing to share. In this way they may take hold of the life that is truly Life!


4. Giving Strengthens my Faith
Proverbs 3:5,9-Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Honor the Lord by giving Him the first part of your income, and He will flow your barns to overflowing.


5. Giving is an investment in Eternity
1 Timothy 6:18-19 LB-Give happily to those in need, and always be ready to share whatever God has given you. By doing this, you will be storing up real treasure for yourselves in heaven - it is the only safe investment for eternity.


6. Giving Blesses me in return-Proverbs 22:9A generous man himself will be blessed. Proverbs 11:25A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.


Questions about the spiritual practice of "Tithing"


1. What is tithing? “Tithe” means “a tenth part.”


2. What is the difference between a Tithe and an Offering? A “tithe” is giving the first tenth of my income. An “offering” is anything I give in addition to my tithe.


3. Why should I tithe? 
Because God commands it.—“A tenth of all you produce is the Lord’s.” Leviticus 27:30
Because Jesus commended it.“Yes, you should tithe, and you shouldn’t leave the more important things undone either.” Matthew 23:23


4. Tithing demonstrates that God has first place in my life.
“The purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God in first place in your life.” Deuteronomy 14:23 LB


5. Tithing reminds me that everything I have was given to me by God!“
Always remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Deuteronomy 8:18


6. Tithing expresses my love to the Lord.“ Each of you should bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.” Deuteronomy 16:17


7. God says that refusing to tithe is stealing from Him! 
“God says ‘Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me!’ But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ God says ‘In tithes and offerings ... Bring your whole tithe to My house.’” Malachi 3:8-10

I know this was a longer blog but I wanted to address this sticky and hot topic. I pray that you grow in generosity and grow in giving throughout your life. I pray that God blesses you and continues to provide for your needs as your trust in Him!!!