One of God’s names is Yahweh-Yireh. Never heard it? Maybe not, but you know the story where it shows up.
Abraham goes up the sacred mountain to worship by offering a sacrifice. His son carries the wood but somewhere along the way he notices a serious flaw. Maybe he just senses something is not right; maybe it is his father’s sullen attitude; maybe he simply looks around and sees that they forgot something important. However, he realizes it, Isaac finally asks about the missing ram. After all, what is the point of all the effort put into this worship event if the primary focal point of the whole experience is a no-show? Still, Abraham is confident when he responds, “God will provide.” Did Isaac know then that he himself was to be offered, or was it only when Abraham tied him up and placed him on the altar that the terrible reality set in?
Regardless, Hebrews clarifies that Abraham’s faith enabled him to trust that God was going to fulfill His promises through Isaac, even if Abraham used the knife to do the unthinkable.
Well, you know how the story ends. As Abraham raises his hand in ultimate worship, the angel stops him and points to God’s provision in a nearby thicket. Abraham names the place “Yahweh-Yireh” – God provides. Even those things we would sacrifice to show our love for God are things He has given us out of His love for us.
This is where our desire for giving finds its proper genesis: God so loves that He provides. He does not provide only enough to slake our immediate thirst. He gives abundantly more than we can think or ask (Ephesians 3:20). He richly provides us with all things for us to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17). God provides all we have and all we need.
Studies show that people give for a variety of reasons. They may want to participate in something that makes a difference. They may be motivated by the “warm glow” of feeling connected to someone in need. They may have a high level of trust in the organization. They may feel a sense of responsibility for helping others. Others give for more practical reasons like tax benefits or recognition for one’s brand. Motives for the Christian may include all the above, but they will also go beyond them.
As believers we recognize that truly everything we have belongs to God, and He has given us charge to use His property for His purposes. He has made us stewards, and that position comes requires us to be faithful in the distribution of God’s goods (1 Corinthians 4:2; Matthew 25).
Recognizing our roles as stewards of God’s extravagant generosity changes our disposition and character. God’s most lavish gift by far is the pouring out of His riches of grace through Christ. This generosity has been infused into the DNA of the universe God created; an idea championed by author and cosmologist Brian Swimme. Many of the same minerals that comprise our bodies (calcium, carbon, iron, hydrogen, and oxygen) were also spread throughout the universe. In his Psychology Today article, Mark Beckoff suggests that even animals can display the trait of generosity. It should be the most natural thing, then, for humans to be generous as well.
My view is that this is the reason God’s early expectation for His people’s giving was a tithe. Giving away 10% of what we have been given acquaints us with what generosity should look and feel like. A tither experiences the joy of giving, which fosters a desire to give more. What is certainly clear is that God’s intent in giving us all we need is that we would be similarly generous (2 Corinthians 9:8).
If we are convinced that we should be generous, how do we know where to direct it? Most believers start with their local church. Beyond that, should you simply give to emergency needs as they arise? Perhaps you send money to the Red Cross when there is a natural disaster somewhere. Alternatively, you see someone on the street in need, and you give a little to help ease his condition. Spontaneous generosity gives back to us in a personal sense of warmth. We feel that we are connecting to the people who are in need and helping them in a tangible way.
The question is whether the work you are thinking of supporting is concerned with ultimate issues. As they alleviate hunger or homelessness, or whatever cause resonates with you, are they also concerned with eternal, God-honoring objectives? Do they care for the soul as they care for the body?
The Gospel is the “Good News” about the love and grace God extends to the whole world (John 3:16). Jesus went about preaching this Good News to the marginalized, in addition to healing their illnesses. Early church leaders went about preaching the same Good News, and Paul commends them as having “beautiful feet” (Romans 10:15). Even though many nonprofits accomplish a great deal of good in our world, alleviating human suffering while bringing Good News with an eternal impact is an investment worth considering prayerfully.
When you give to an organization that is making a difference in the world, especially one that is concerned with the welfare of souls, you are not really giving away your resources, whether time, talents, or treasure. You are making an investment that will bring a return to God’s kingdom and also to you. Paul refers to this when appealing to the Corinthians for funds for the poor and hungry in Jerusalem: “this is to your benefit” (2 Corinthians 8:10). When you give to ministry, you are not simply a supporter. You are a partner in that ministry (Philippians 1:5; 4:15).
As the story of Abraham and Isaac shows, we should feel safe in our faithfulness to God in all endeavors, including our giving. God will never abandon us – even in our darkest, most anxious moments. If we give until it hurts, as Abraham undoubtedly did as he and his only son climbed Mount Moriah, we can rest in the knowledge that the Lord will always provide for us, blessing us with all we truly need.
When you give to an organization such as Frontiers, you are partnering in meaningful ministry, faithfully executing your stewardship charge, and allowing God’s own generous character to be formed in you. No wonder God desires cheerful givers (2 Corinthians 9:7). If we give in this God-honoring way, how could we be anything but cheerful?
Richard is currently a doctoral candidate at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. He has faithfully served the church for over 30 years in various places and capacities as a Youth and Senior Pastor, and has helped lead service projects in seven countries. He now sits on the board of several stateside Christian non-profits.
Original article: www.godofall.org/god-the-provider
