“ … Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19

As we wrap up this week’s theme on tithing and giving, it only seems appropriate to be reminded of the call and instruction that Jesus has placed upon believers of the Gospel. We, as a body of believers who yearn to follow the ways of Jesus, have been asked to go and make disciples of all nations. This is the primary ministry of the body of Christ, the bride, the church.

This commission is being expressed and lived out in contexts all around the world, and it is also the work of the local church. The revealing and hastening of the kingdom of God in its fullness is first and foremost happening through the ministry of the local church as it works to accomplish this great commission. This is the work to which we are called. It requires the sacrifice of our time, our gifting, and our finances. It’s hard work, but we lean heavily on our trust in the Lord and the love that he holds for his children.

If we believe in the Lord, if we believe in the active work of the Holy Spirit in believers, and if we believe that the local church is a powerful vehicle to accomplish the coming of his kingdom, then may we joyfully give all we can to the work. May we offer our treasure, our talents, and our time to the work of the church, and may we do so with glad and joyful hearts.

QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: How are you contributing to the work of the church in fulfilling the Great Commission? Where are you holding back?

PRAYER: Father, we thank you for the gift of your church and the call that you have placed on the body of believers. We ask for your help through the presence of the Holy Spirit—help us to be faithful and persistent in the work. May the work of the Great Commission help form our character to be more like Christ. Amen.

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Tithing

Should Christians (or Christian businesses) tithe? How much money should I give away? Does God want me to take a vow of poverty and give everything away? Will God punish me if I don’t tithe? How do I balance my budget of needs and wants with the biblical command of giving? If you’ve ever asked these questions to find out exactly what tithing means and how it applies to you, you are not alone. We’ll explore the concept of Tithing in this High Calling theme, and we invite you to follow along. Ask questions, offer your insights, and help us keep the conversation going.

Featured image by Adam Brill. Used with Permission. Source via Flickr.