What is My Motivation for Giving?

Often it is the case that a preacher will stand before a congregation and will expound on the importance of personal evangelism, giving, and other important aspects of Christian living. These important topics should continually be taught with all fervency. There is another area of study one should keep in mind when these topics are discussed. What is you motivation for doing what you do? WordWeb describes motivation as “The psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior.” Simply, it is what drives us to completing our goals. One may think of a soon to be bride and her bid to lose weight. What is her motivation? She wants to fit in a smaller wedding gown. One may also think of a male who willingly bends over backwards for a female who may not be too interested in him at the moment. What is his motivation? He wants to win her heart. When thinking of self one would ask, “What is my motivation for ________?” That is a question that every Christian should ask. What is it that drives me to do the things I do? One can have wrong motives when committing a good act. Over a period of time, it is our goal to look at some areas where one needs to make sure one’s motivations are pure. This week we ask, “What is My Motivation for Giving?” We know that “…It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35) but why do we give?

Am I motivated by recognition received for my “good giving”? Do I look forward to the possibility that someone, somewhere is going to congratulate me for such a job well done. This seemed to be the mindset of Ananias and Sapphira, who sold a portion of land (Acts 5:1, 3). The two conspired to give a portion of the money to the apostles and keep the rest for themselves. This act ultimately cost the pair their lives and cemented the apostolic authority. One cannot help but ask the question, “Why would the two choose to commit such an act?” The answer lies at the end of Acts 4. “And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet” (Acts 4:36-37). Barnabas received some acclaim for the gift, which he gave. It seems the husband and wife duo wanted that same recognition and ultimately got their wish. “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:3-4). Do not allow praise to be your motivation for giving.

Am I motivated by that fact that “I have to give”? Christians are commanded to give of their means (1Corinthians 16:1-2). Is this the only reason we give? Do we have this “sense of ought” with no other factors motivating our efforts? God is not pleased with that type of heart. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).  Again, notice the command given in this verse toward giving. God wants us to give as is “purposed” or planned. He does not want giving at the last minute. He does not want one to give “grudgingly.” The Greek word literally means “out of grief.” This is the person who is sorrowed at thought of being parted from his money but does so because “he has to give.” If there was any question concerning this idea of a sense of ought, one can easily note that God does not want anyone to give “of necessity.” Literally, “If I didn’t have to give, I would not.” God loves a cheerful giver. He does not love those who give because “God makes me.”

Am I motivated by the good my offering can do? Ever stop to think about what good your money can do for the church? Remember, “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6).  One can notice a few verses later that Paul said, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” (2 Corinthians 9:8). While this is not exclusively what Paul spoke of in this verse, one can consider how much the work of the church abounds from the gift of giving. Many have brought the gospel of Christ to different parts of the world, yet never visiting one of those places. Through the support of many congregations souls have been rescued from Hellfire. Not everyone can be a missionary, but many can support the work of the church and do much good through giving. Is that your motivation?

Am I motivated by that which God has given? It goes without saying that God has given many great gifts to mankind. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). He willingly gave up the life of His Son (John 3:16). He gives the gift of His grace to those who will are obedient to His will (Ephesians 2:8). He even gives daily gifts of rain and sunshine to the just and unjust (Matthew 5:45). Ever take the time to reflect on everything God has done for you? If not take the time to do so. It might change your disposition of one who gives with a heart of sorrow to one who is a cheerful giver. What is my motivation?

What motivates the gifts which God gives? “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16).  God did not do any of this because of selfish pride. He did not do what He has done because, “He had to do it.” His giving was ultimately done for the benefit of the world. Why not let your giving be done because of the love you have for God. Please reflect on these things when giving of your means as God has commanded.