If we were limited to only one thing what do you think God would desire from us?
Hmmm . . . My answer would be faith. We would have unswerving faith in Him, because without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God.
Some cynical folks might suggest that first and foremost God desires our money. That is so illogical and absurd as to be laughable. God doesn’t desire or need anyone’s money. He owns the entire world and the Universe in which it hangs. Does anyone with a shred of common sense really believe that God needs some paper currency or a few hunks of metal even if it is solid gold? Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, and “The Donald” put together are but mere paupers in comparison.
So why does He tell us to tithe and above that give offerings?
He desires our obedience as a demonstration of our faith. He knows that money is near and dear to most everyone’s heart and when someone gives generously and cheerfully, it is a tremendous verification of their faith. It is even more of a testimony if they are hurting financially, (widows mite), or frugal. I know some folks who are so frugal that you couldn’t pry a nickel from their fingers if you crushed them with a pair of vise grip pliers, or even used one of the “life jaw” devices designed to pry people out of crashed cars, and yet they will open their wallets for the Lord with a huge smile on their faces and joy in their hearts.
That is true faith my friends. They give ‘til it hurts and smile while they do it . . .
I suppose the greatest sign of faith between man and God was established by Abraham. He had an extraordinary amount of faith in God and his greatest affirmation of it was when he was willing to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac in obedience to the Lord. (This was a loving example of what God was preparing to do for us with His own Son Jesus Christ.) Although God didn’t require Abraham to go through with it, he did test him right up to the point where he was getting ready to plunge the knife into him.
God blessed Abraham for his faith, not only personally bestowing tremendous wealth and joy upon him, but generationally blessing him by making his offspring God’s “chosen” people. I don’t think those things pleased him near as much as just knowing that His God was proud of Him and loved him. He continued to love and walk with God for the rest of His days and today is in heaven, no doubt enjoying it to the hilt. All of his blessings were due to his tremendous faith in his God.
I know some God loving folks who are suffering right now. Are these trials their tests? Are they going to lose their faith because of it, or will it strengthen their faith?
That is the question.
The Bible clearly states that our faith is demonstrated with works. The Apostle James stated, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
Hmmm . . . The Apostle James was one of the first disciples Jesus called. He and his brother were fishermen and when Jesus called them, they dropped everything and followed. His faith was honored when he was allowed into the inner circle of Jesus and he became one of just three that was allowed to be there with Him when He was transfigured. The faith of James did not waver even to death. He boldly proclaimed the word of God and paid a price for it. In fact he is the only disciple directly mentioned in the Bible as having been martyred for Jesus when King Herod had him put to death.
Try to imagine the reward and honor God will heap upon him that will last for eternity. I don’t think he cared about that. He loved Jesus and the rewards were nice but not the object of his devotion.
In the midst of your tests, trials, and tribulations today keep in mind that we should focus on God and not on us. Find a way to glorify His name even in the midst of all those problems and watch how He blesses your life. Keep the faith . . .
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him.