Memory Verse

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor. 9:7)

What is an offering? What is its place in our public worship service? These are two questions we can start with in trying to think about the offering. The word offering means “giving to God.” In our public worship of God we show our love to Him by giving our tithes and offerings. God has commanded this and it is an individual responsibility to give the tithe, which is one-tenth of our wages. The money that is given beyond our tithe is an offering or gift.

Some children may be like Nancy. Her parents give her $1.00 a week for an allowance. It is her responsibility to use that money in a way pleasing to God. She remembers hearing the minister tell of the “tithe,” which is giving a tenth of our wages. As she calculates 1/10 of $1.00 she discovers 10 cents of her weekly allowance should be given to God.

People give part of their earnings each week in the church offering. You may ask, “What is this offering being used for?”

Each congregation has a list of expenses to be paid by the congregation. Some of these items are the pastor’s salary, custodian salary, Christian educational materials, utilities, repairs, donations to missions, outreach work, Synod’s work, and mercy work.

The only income for this budget is from offerings and gifts. Do you get a clearer picture of your responsibility to obey God’s command to give as the Lord prospers you? (1 Cor. 16:2). What does the word steward mean? How is this related to the offering in public worship? A steward is someone who takes care of the belongings or affairs of others. We are stewards, too, because everything belongs to God and we are instructed to care for what God has given us.

There are four areas of stewardship:

Self—God wants our whole being, loyalty, and love.

Service—He wants our talents and abilities used in His service.

Time—He wants a wise use of time. One day, especially, the Lord’s Day, is to be special to Him.

Money—God wants us to return to Him a portion of what we have, to show Him we understand He really owns it all. A Bible story in Exodus 35 is about giving. Moses gathered the people of Israel together and told them what God commanded them to do. The people were to build a tabernacle, a big tent, where they could worship Him. Moses told the people that everybody who is willing may bring an offering of gold, silver, or brass, fine linen cloth, animal skins, wood, oil for incense, and precious stones. Also, men or women with special talents were asked to offer these to help construct the tabernacle.

Men and women brought many things, for they loved the Lord (Ex. 36:5). The people brought “much more than enough for the service of the work, which the Lord commanded to make.” So Moses asked the people to stop. The people were happy to show their love for God in this way, for He had done so much for them.

Think About It

• Would you like to be a giver or receiver? Why?

• What does it mean to be a steward?

• What can we give God besides our money? List three things.

(Excerpted from When We Worship God, by Max and Fran Mann)