By David Faust
I take a lot of photos with my cellphone. You probably do, too. Because I’m not a skilled photographer, I appreciate my phone’s “Edit” function. If the picture contains unnecessary details or distractions, I can trim them out with a flick of my fingers.
Authors and journalists value a different kind of editing. Do you want to improve your writing? Then you should brighten up your verbs, shorten your sentences, and delete unneeded words. Like sculptors carving marble statues, skilled writers understand: What you cut matters as much as what you keep.
The same principle applies with finances. Someone quipped, “Due to budget cuts, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off.” But the fact is, if we cut unnecessary expenses, we can have more and give more. There are only a few things we can do with money: save it, spend it, invest it, or give it. Budget cuts require courage and willpower; but by making strategic lifestyle edits and choosing to live more simply, we free up more funds to invest in the Lord’s work and meet the needs of others.
LESSONS IN GENEROSITY
The first-century church has a lot to teach us about financial stewardship. In the book of Acts, there was a link between unity and generosity. Giving flowed naturally because the believers “were one in heart and mind” (Acts 4:32). They were excited about their shared purpose. Do you want to increase your church’s financial impact? Cut out disunity! Conflict and distrust stifle generosity, but it’s amazing what like-minded people can accomplish when they band together and give according to their ability.
Among the early disciples, “No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own” (v. 32). No arm-twisting was required. No one was forced to give. After selling their property, believers cheerfully placed the proceeds “at the apostles’ feet” (vv. 35, 37, 5:2), releasing their donations with no strings attached. And notice—the plural possessive word “apostles’” highlights an important layer of accountability. Multiple leaders saw the funds, ensuring the money would be used for the right purpose, not misused for personal gain.
Do you want to increase your church’s financial impact? Cut out dishonesty and selfishness! Increase transparency and accountability. The Lord’s judgment against Ananias and Sapphira might seem harsh, but lying to the Holy Spirit is a serious offense. Deception, greed, and self-centeredness discourage generosity, while transparency and accountability fan it into flame.
The first-century disciples gave sacrificially to help the poor, but they didn’t neglect the Great Commission. They met physical needs without ignoring spiritual needs. “With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 4:33), but at the same time, “there were no needy persons among them” (v. 34). I’ve heard Christians argue whether we should focus on preaching the gospel or caring for the poor. My recommendation? Cut out needless debates and do both!
GIVE IT UP
Sincere, generous giving provides tangible evidence that the Messiah came “to proclaim good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18). It’s a practical way to love God, love our neighbors, and obey Jesus who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Are we weakening the church by our disunity, dishonesty, greediness, and needless debates? It’s time to cut it out—and give the Lord what he deserves.
Personal Challenge: Make an over-and-above gift to a mission or nonprofit organization, and include an encouraging note to thank them for their service.
Author: David Faust
David Faust serves as contributing editor of Christian Standard and senior associate minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the author of Not Too Old: Turning Your Later Years into Greater Years.
