A People of Worship – Through Giving

 How can we be a people of worship in the middle of a pandemic, in the middle of a crisis, or when we are simply uncertain of what our futures hold? One way it through our giving. Giving puts our faith to a true test in the middle of a storm. Across the United States, and other areas of the world, I have heard and read from pastors of the decline in offerings in our churches. The International Offices of the Church of God of Prophecy have also seen a significant decline in harvest partner (missions) offerings. We have been programmed that church has to happen a certain way; and therein lies the problem. We shouldn’t be “doing church”, we should be worshipping.

 

 For generations the Israelites would make their way to the temple in Jerusalem to offer their sacrifices. They sacrificed a lot just to make the journey to offer a sacrifice. We as a people of God need to start our journeys again. As faithful stewards, we need to honor God and bring our sacrifices. Yet, we have become worried about what may happen next. Examine closely the story of Joseph and how Egypt was in the midst of a great economic cycle. They were being blessed. However, Pharaohs’ dream of a seven- year famine would prove to be true at the end of the first seven years. (Genesis 41:17-24)

 

         The co-host of “God’s Money”, Steve Scalici said it this way; “Seven years of Angus Beef and then seven years of Steak-umms”. You see even when they were unsure of what would happen next, and still wondering if the seven-year famine would happen, they stored up so when the hard times came, they were prepared. A lot of individuals were ready for the pandemic and the economic downturn making it through just fine. Others didn’t fare so well. But God’s church continued onward and so did we as a people.

 

 I have told my own church on several occasions; “Look how God saw us through this, because we as a people remained faithful.” Now is the time for us to store up our treasures in heaven. One thing we can be sure of, is His soon coming return for His people. I want to be found faithful. I encourage the people of the Church of God of Prophecy to be found faithful as well. Let us enter our churches again bringing our tithes and offerings not waiting for a plate or offering basket to be passed by but desiring to give a sacrifice of worship in giving. 

 

Let’s worship again and be sacrificial in that worship. The old saying was; “Give until it hurts.” A sacrifice should hurt us. It should bring us to a place where we are no longer in our comfortable place. We bring sacrifices of praise but never worship until it hurts us. Therefore, let us begin our journey again to true sacrificial worship in giving where our pain turns into praise. 

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” - James 1:2-4 ESV