Inspirational
R.O.I. vs. Cheerful Giving
Before the offertory in church services, the liturgist usually reads Bible verses on giving.
A favorite in many churches is Malachi 3:10 (NLT), “’Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, ‘I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!’”
This is sometimes misinterpreted to mean that the more money you put into the offering bag, the more money you will receive in return—like an R.O.I. (Return on Investment). That’s why some give big sums, expecting returns sooner or later.
“We need to correct this wrong motivation to give,” one elder said in a meeting. “Giving is not a business proposition. It is defined in the New Testament as something you do with an open heart, without expecting anything in return.
He then read 2 Corinthians 9:7, “. . . decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
No matter how well intentioned the elder’s proposal was, another elder replied, “Giving to the church work is personal, based on faith. Unfortunately, we cannot compel anyone to give cheerfully. Some treasure their wealth so much that by giving generously, they think they will be doubly compensated.”
The Bible raises a red flag about R.O.I. giving, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (Matthew 6:21)
That’s why Timothy enjoins believers in 1 Timothy 6:17-19, “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others . . . “
The desire of a Christian’s heart is to trust in God.
