Recently I was reading some illustrations on the internet about giving and I came about this story:

“JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER GIVING STORY: John D. Rockefeller is an example of the benefits of giving. He achieved what our culture calls success. Rockefeller had amassed more wealth than he could ever spend. By the time Rockefeller was fifty-three his life was a wreck. Throughout his business career he said, “I never placed my head upon the pillow at night without reminding myself that my success might only be temporary.” He was the richest man in the world and yet he was miserable in every sense of the word. He was sick physically, mentally, and emotionally. There was no humor, balance, or joy in his life. Then a transformation occurred. He determined to become a giver rather than an accumulator. He began to give his millions away. He founded the Rockefeller Foundation, dedicated to fighting disease and ignorance around the world. He lived to be ninety-eight years old and was a happy man in those years because of his new and revitalized definition of success.” Http://www.kluth.org/church/illustrations.htm
I trust you also would be interested in knowing how your offering affects your life. Yes, but before we look into this, first I’d like us to see the reasons why some people give offerings in the church.
Here are some reasons:
People love God and want to obey Him: In John 14:15, Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments,” and in Luke 6:38, He said, “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full–pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” It is a good practice to give out of love for God and willingness to obey His instructions.
People want to honor God: Proverbs 3:9-10 “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” We should all strive to honor God with what He has given us.

People understand the treasure principle: which says we should lay up our treasure in heaven – where moth cannot destroy it – Mat. 6:19-20. Go ahead, become heaven-conscious too and give without hesitation.

People want to grow in their faith walk with Jesus: 2 Cor. 8:7 says, “Since you excel in so many ways–in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us–I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.”

Now let’s go back to see how giving may affect your life.
Remember the Rockefeller story above, when he decided to consistently give out of his riches, he gained happiness.

 

Offering                                                                     Reward

 

Peter offered his boat for Jesus to use for preaching – Luke 5:1-10

 

The woman at Bethany anointed Jesus with expensive perfume – Mark 14:3-9

 

 

David offered something of value to God – 2 Sam. 24:18-25

 

 

Solomon offered generously – 1 Kings 3:3-11.  The principle here is in Luke 6:38 which says, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

 

God offered His Son Jesus Christ – Heb. 10:10

 

  

He moved from struggle to satisfaction. This can happen to you also.

 

Her name got recorded in the book of remembrance for life. Your offering can cause Jesus to recognize you.

 

The plagues over his nation ceased. Your offering can bring God’s mercy upon you and put an end to evil happenings.

 

God visited and Solomon gave wisdom and riches. If you offer bountifully to God, He will visit you. 2 Cor. 9:6 says, “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

 

 

This resulted to our salvation

As you can see, there are various things one can offer unto the Lord, but you will notice that all those offerings were of high and best quality. Therefore, whenever you come to the Lord with your offering, ensure that it is your best, whether it is money, time, prayer or other materials. Move away from the $1 group and let God lift you up. You will increase in Jesus name.

Now that you’ve seen the rewards of offering unto God, I believe your mindset will change concerning this issue. May the Lord continue to teach us His ways.

Finally I say that offering to God is continuous, not just money or material things but even our lives. Paul advices in Romans 12:1-2 to offer our lives as living sacrifice unto God.