Sometimes we overlook opportunities which come our way which could really change our lives. We usually use that time in our worship when we partake of the Lord’s Supper, eating the bread and drinking the cup, and we become even more aware of the love of God and the redemption we have in Christ. Those moments of “communion meditation” change who we are.
In most congregations, the Lord’s Supper is followed by our giving to the Lord. Have you ever thought that we may have overlooked a great blessing in our “contribution meditation”? Let me suggest that instead of simply putting your offering in the basket as it is passed that you spend some time thinking about some of the ideas which follow. These are only suggestions, and your thoughts are probably better than mine, but let me share the following.
“Contribution Meditations”
- God does not need what we give since the entirety of His creation already belongs to Him, but he lets us help Him do the work which began at the cross.
- Giving is not a ritual but is designed as a time of joyful celebration in the Lord. Remember that the Lord loves the cheerful giver. Maybe we should “smile” as we give.
- We know how to lay up treasures on this earth and often spend a lot of time and energy in planning how to invest for our retirement. Our weekly contribution is one of the ways we lay up treasures for our heavenly retirement. The Lord tells us to give as we have purposed beforehand about how much to give (Matt. 6:19-21; 2 Cor. 9:7).
- Jesus said, “Beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). He told this to a man who was involved in a family divided over the inheritance. Satan has convinced our world that a man’s life does consist in the abundance of things. Jesus said it does not.
- What we give each week is the proof of how much we love working for God (2 Cor. 8:24; 9:13). We give gifts to our children and our mates, and the thoughtfulness behind those gifts shows the depth of our love. Each week as you give let your heart say, “Lord, this is proof that I love you this much.”
- God took care of the widow who gave her two mites. She could have spent the money in so many other ways but rest assured that she did not starve. As you give, remember God was talking specifically about the weekly contribution when He said, “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and …” (2 Cor. 9:6). “Contribution Mediation” can change you. Think about it!