When I ask that question, instinctively we reply, “None of your business!” It’s uncomfortable and seems nosey. We cross our arms because we feel we’ve worked for our money, our ability to have credit and our assets. We really don’t like anyone checking on how we are financially, especially when it come to our finances and God.
But I believe we have a misunderstanding of ownership. While you did put in the hours at the workplace, and you earned that paycheck, you did not create the hands and mind that allow you to do that job. God did. You did not create the opportunity to earn a living. God did.
You and I have to come to the understanding that God owns everything. You and I are simply stewards of how we have been blessed. The Psalmist says in Psalms 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.”
So the question should not be “How much of my money do I give God?” but rather, “How much of God’s money do I keep for myself?” See, just rephrasing the question let’s everyone know where your priorities are.
Secondly, we have misunderstood Lordship. You see, Jesus is not just your savior but your Lord. When you publicly declared you wanted to follow Jesus, you said He was Lord of your life and that should mean something.
God doesn’t want more and more FROM us; He wants more FOR us. Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” So, live in such way, spend in such a way, store up in such a way that your life screams “Jesus is Lord and I own nothing.” Jesus is our treasure, not stuff. His desire is to give you the abundant life but you’ve got to surrender fully to him. Blessings on your journey.