Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. Acts 11:29

Last time we considered two categories of giving. This time let us consider one motivation. Worship. Giving is to be an act of worship. Other motivations may still assist those who receive the gifts, but worship is the only motivation for giving that confers blessing to the giver, and most importantly, glorifies God!

Lesser motives for giving are just plain wrong. These may include guilt, heartless duty, recognition, and worst: “giving to get.” Giving to get, whether it is financial blessing or to leverage favors from God, most certainly erases any blessing or reward for giving.

But don’t we give to support ministry and assist the needy? Yes, those are two ways our giving blesses others, but the correct motive for giving must be worship. We give to worship God for who His is. We give to worship God for all He does. It is that simple. And the more we give, the more faith is required—and God is most pleased when we give sacrificially, trusting in Him to provide for our needs.

In the Old Testament the operation of the temple and the provision for the Levites came from the peoples’ sacrifices. But the OT worshipers didn’t offer sacrifices to support the temple or the Levitical priests. They offered sacrifices to worship God.

Let us follow their example.