Oh to be a Cheerful Giver…

So God’s decided to start his work early in my heart as we at Lifepointe are about to get into our Upside Down Kingdom series.  And if its any indication, i think we’re in for some intense messages and movement in our church; if not only in my own life.

So i got to a place where i’m reading 2 Corinthians 9.  Paul is writing to this Church and reminding them about a commitment they made to give to help believers that were going through some really rough times.  He actually notes that he’s been talkin’ big about their generosity and what they promised to give towards this and now he’s writing them to remind them of that promise and put a little fire under their motivation.

And this is the context in which we get the Oh-so-often quoted, “God loves a cheerful giver.”  And it’s a great statement, but the thing that’s been called to my attention in various ways even today (including in Jonathan Acuff’s Stuff Christians Like) is how often this is used as an excuse NOT to give.  Saying, “well, God loves a cheerful giver, but my heart’s really not in it right now, so i don’t want to insult God by not giving cheerfully… SO I’m not going to give until I really am ecstatic about it.”

But Paul isn’t saying that.  He’s not giving them this ultimatum of “well if your heart’s not in it, you better not give.”  No, its pretty apparent he expected them to be generous.  He wasn’t addressing “whether you should give or not” but the heart-searching question “what’s keeping you from being cheerful about giving?”

God has promised he will provide. He promises that when you sow into his Kingdom, especially, you will be taken care of.  SO WHY AREN’T we CHEERFUL about GIVING?!? Why aren’t we EXCITED about investing into his KINGDOM?? (or so often are we the antithesis of exuberance at simply being a PART of his Kingdom?)

i think (and i’m putting my money on this) that if we give beyond our comfort or “expectations,” its a good step in becoming excited about his Kingdom.

Because.

…The more we invest in something, the more we want to see it succeed.

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