For many, this may be hard to believe, but God actually expects us to prosper. He needs us to be prosperous because the kingdom needs provision. The kingdom depends on it and we can trust that God will give us the resources to do so.
Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad and say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, Who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.
Psalm 35: 27 AMPC
The power of the seed
God wants us to be in a place where we have more than enough because when we do, we will be able to contribute to the kingdom. Picture a cedar tree – God is calling us to be cedar trees because they have longevity and resistance to being withered away. Just like a seed was planted for a cedar tree to be grown, it is important for us to also sow seeds in the beginning of our prosperity. Remember, your finances are seeds.
God’s plan for everything is multiplication.The reality is that the world functions on a system of receiving and consuming. The good news is that God’s kingdom functions on a system of receiving and sowing.
While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
Genesis 8:22 AMPC
It’s clear here that the concept of sowing will be around for a long time! We cannot run away from the concept of reaping and sowing.
Scarcity Mindset
Lack is rooted in a scarcity mindset. It leads us to believe that if we let go of what we have, then there won’t be enough. The scarcity mindset says; “there is only so much to go around for everyone,” and “the more I give the more it costs me”. Looking at the bigger picture, the abundance mindset says “the more I give, the more I receive.”
Breaking the scarcity cycle
- We need to give generously. Generosity is a picture of our heart and love.
- God multiplies
6 [Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.7 Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 AMPC
10 And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]. 11 Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 AMPC
The key point is that godly giving is a Christlike act of grace. Giving should not be done out of duty or in the shadow of legalism, according to God. Instead, it ought to be motivated and inspired by a willing heart. Giving gives Christians the chance to work alongside God to satisfy the needs of the underprivileged. When Christians contribute abundantly, God enables them to give even more. This causes thanksgiving to gush towards Him and increases His righteousness on earth. Those who receive the gift and pray for the giver will bring glory to God.
16 And he brought back all the goods and also brought back his kinsman Lot and his possessions, the women also and the people. 17 After his [Abram’s] return from the defeat and slaying of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh, that is, the King’s Valley. 18 Melchizedek king of Salem [later called Jerusalem] brought out bread and wine [for their nourishment]; he was the priest of God Most High, 19 And he blessed him and said, Blessed (favored with blessings, made blissful, joyful) be Abram by God Most High, Possessor and Maker of heaven and earth, 20 And blessed, praised, and glorified be God Most High, Who has given your foes into your hand! And [Abram] gave him a tenth of all [he had taken].
Genesis 14:16-20 AMPC
For reference, know that tithing breaks the cycle of scarcity and starts a cycle of supply. Scarcity is bondage. Remember that you can get to a place of having more than enough. Trust God to show you what He wants you to give.
