March 7, 2012
Today’s Text: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Today’s Key Thought: Worshipful giving is a spiritual discipline.
Fifthly, Worshipful giving is a spiritual discipline. Paul tells the Corinthians to give in the ways we have talked about “that there be no gatherings when I come.” Paul didn’t want the giving that they participated in to be completely born out of a human appeal to need. Certainly we should give because there is a need, but more importantly we should give not as unto men but as unto God. God does not need our money, but He does need our hearts. That is why giving is a spiritual discipline. When we open our hands and release what we have been given in giving, our hands become more free to allow God to work in our lives and lead us where He wants us to go.
Application:
When you give is it only from guilt, or because of the pressure of a pressing need that you has come to your attention? Certainly it is not wrong to give to needs. It is wrong to only give because there is a need, when the primary motivation of our giving should be worship and obedience God.
Study the Scriptures with Ben Jennings 
I definitely don’t give out of guilt or because of only needs. I do feel my heart is right when giving. (Actually happy to report I am doing something consistently, lol)
I don’t give out of guilt when I give it’s usually with a good attitude because when I give to the church I know it’s going to somebody who really needs it.
I have given out of guilt before. But I don’t think I do that now. I used to feel like as a Christian, I had to, which is not the right attitude at all. Truth is, I don’t have to, God isn’t going to force us to give, but He wants us to and it is the right thing to do. But I don’t always do what’s right. Giving needs to be something I want to do, not something I feel like I have to do or do out of guilt! And I’m glad I don’t feel like I have to give, I enjoy giving. 🙂
I don’t give out of guilt cuz I love to give!! I know it makes me God and that person happy and I like that! Well hope you guys had a great time at church and the new series I wish I could be there but love you guys!!missu!!😌