Several years ago, contemporary Christian gospel group, The Imperials, included a song titled, “Bread Upon the Water” on their album “Sail On.” The lyrics to the song found their basis in two Scriptures, Ecclesiastes 11:1 (“Cast your bread upon the waters,
For you will find it after many days” NKJV) and Luke 6:38 (“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” NKJV).
These two short verses from the Bible provide almost a handful of principles about giving. Solomon says don’t hold your money close, but invest it and wait for its return. The New International Version translates the verse, “Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return.” Jesus tells us three important principles. First, if you understand how God has given to you, you in turn should give to others. Next, God does not just give, but He fills you to overflowing. Finally, Jesus warns that we will receive blessings in the same measure, the same generous spirit, that we give to others. If your attitude is stingy and overly possessive, your salvation will not necessarily be affected, but there will be limits on the generosity of God’s blessings. The limits may be self-inflicted, not directed by God.
So let’s make a few other observations as we begin trying to understand how to give.
Is Money Really a Spiritual Matter?
Why does God speak so much about money? There are over 2000 verses in the Bible that address either money, tithing or possessions. Almost 25% of the recorded words of Jesus talk about stewardship. Why is this such a big deal?
First, money speaks to whom or what we serve. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24, compare with Luke 16:13). Three verses earlier in Matthew, He says where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Second, how we feel about money shows whether we really trust God to provide for our personal needs. Granted, we will argue whether something is a “need” or a “want.” But we should rely on God to provide for us. Jesus prayed, “Give us this day, our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). Solomon warned, “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread” (Proverbs 30:8). Is Solomon making a connection between either poverty or wealth and lying?
Finally, our attitude toward money and our use of it speaks to a spiritual peace. Listen to a circumstance that came before Jesus.
18 A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’”
21 “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.
22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:18-25 NIV).
There may be a distinct tie between generous giving and spiritual peace. Consider Paul’s message to the Christians in Philippi.
Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need (Philippians 4:15-16 NIV).
Look at the conclusion that Paul draws earlier in the chapter. Your giving measures your understanding of the nature of God, and that knowledge inspires peace.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7 NIV).
How Does Giving Measure Our Understanding of God?
How we give measures several things in our relationship with God. First, what we give has always been considered a measure of our understanding and worship of God. At a time when standards were set through the Law, people were required to give a tenth of their income. When we give regularly, along with a determined amount, it shows we understand what God expected during the days we were governed by the Law.
Giving also measures the spiritual condition of our heart, along with the strength of our faith. When we give, it shows where we place our trust and our hope. When we understand that God owns all things, and that He blesses us, we are freed to give from our love and gratitude and compassion.
How Can Changing My Giving Change My Life?
Throughout the Bible, we are encouraged to be “changed” or “transformed” by the message of the Gospel. When I am in Christ, I am a new creature, old things are passed away. When I give, the process transforms me. When I am a consistent giver, it makes me more like God Himself. Notice some of the things that happen when I give.
When I give, I build a better perspective on material things
In today’s world, it is so easy to lose perspective on material things. Material things are certainly temporary, nothing is built to last anywhere near a lifetime. But whether they outlive us, or are destroyed tomorrow, the pleasure they create does not last. More importantly, material things can come between us and God. If we invest so much time, effort and money on material things, which are temporary, doesn’t it make sense to invest even more time, effort and money on spiritual things, which are eternal?
When I give, I build a better working trust in God
I see God as a daily provider for my needs. Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Then everything else that we need will be given to us. I realize that I am not counting on my own strength and abilities, but upon God’s.
When I give, I build a better structure for the entire financial picture
Jesus offers some very strong teaching about the cost of discipleship. Luke records the account in his gospel.
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
34 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.
“Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear” (Luke 14:25-25 NIV).
Here are a few lessons from the analogies. First, a wise steward counts the cost before acting. Next, a wise steward plans for the future. Finally, a wise steward sets priorities.
When I give, I build a better picture of hope
The teaching of Scripture about finances and the use of money strengthens our understanding of God. It provides a foundation upon which we can offer worship to Him. Together the teachings build a better picture for the reason we have hope. We understand that we are investing with our lives and our money in something that is bigger than ourselves. We also are investing in something with eternal consequences.