Global Financial Crisis

Seeing that most people reading this blog are not financially connected to me in any way, let me be frank.

2 Corinthians 8.1-15

Reference:  v.7  But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.  (TNIV Bible)

 

Explore:  This year we have hit a Global Financial Crisis.  I don't fully understand why this has happened or how we best deal with it, however it is regularly spoken about in the news and current affairs.  There are predictions that the market will fall further and budgets are being cut and adjusted preemptively.  I did find it quite illuminating, however to hear the results of the Melbourne Cup.  This is a horse race that happens in November in Melbourne and is Australia's major annual race. It is generally regarded as the most prestigious "two-mile" handicap in the world.  It wasn't so much the horse that won that interested me but the amount of money that was bet on the race.  While those living in Melbourne get a public holiday it seems that people all over the world show interest.  In actual fact there is over $140 million bet on the race anually.  Interestingly enough in 2008, as the financial crisis reared it's ugly head, over $200 million was bet on the Melbourne Cup.  It highlighted to me that while people can genuinely go through financial hardship the majority of people will still spend money on what they consider important.

Application:  When it comes to giving money to the church the topic always comes with a cringe factor.  We don't like to bring it up too much.  Very few people like to give money away and even less like to ask for money.  There is also the reality that some churches will emotionally abuse their congregation to make them give more money.  We need to be wise with what we have, but seeing that most people reading this blog are not financially connected to me in any way, let me be frank.  I find that most Christians will confidently sing, 'I give it all to you, Jesus', yet when it comes to giving of their finances they will justify keeping their wallets in their pockets.  Unfortunately I also have to put myself in that category.  We believe that God gave sacrificially, we believe that He continues to bless us abundantly today and yet we still hesitate to release our purse strings.  This passage is a good reminder for us to excel in all things, even with our finances.

Prayer:  Lord, you give so graciously each and every day.  May we be gracious in our giving too.  Amen.

Why do we find our money so hard to give away?  Who can you bless with your giving this week?

2 Corinthians