Honoring God with Our Gifts

God owns it all. I’ve heard and read that statement often. And, even though I’m a woman of faith, I sometimes struggle with that ownership. If God owns everything, why doesn’t he share more with me? Why does he want back some of what He has given me? Why? Why? Why?

During times of doubt and questioning, I need to shift my thinking and get into the Word. There I find truth. The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters (Psalm 24:1-2). God’s ownership traces all the way back to creation.

But, my mind still protests as I think of bills, living expenses, saving for retirement; during tax season, I focus even more on finances. But the Bible is clear on our obligation to pay taxes. Romans 13:7 reads: Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

I especially appreciate the word honor in that text as I circle back to God’s ownership. When I give back to Him, whether through my time and talents or with my financial gifts, I am honoring God. I really ought to be thanking and praising Him for His blessings rather than worrying about money. It’s a matter of trust and perspective and reminding myself that God always takes care of my needs.

With that Bible-based mindset, giving to the furtherance of God’s kingdom comes easily, both personally and otherwise, including at Warner Press. Following a year-end financial review, our non-profit Christian publishing company gives back to the Church of God (CHOG) Ministries through the Church of God Foundation. So, indirectly, as a Warner Press customer, you honor God via your purchases.

A closer look at the Foundation reveals this statement about the CHOG Ministries as a global movement of people seeking to fulfill God’s mission in the world. And that is to make disciples of all nations as Jesus instructs in Matthew 28:18-20. We can all do that individually and through our churches. But the CHOG Foundation has also established programs that minister to spiritual, physical and other needs with God always centering those efforts.

For example, Disaster Relief helps those affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires and by issues like hunger. Christians Broadcasting Hope is a worldwide media outreach ministry that utilizes radio and technology to share the Gospel. Trafficklight addresses the issue of human trafficking. CARE Initiative speaks to economic issues facing pastoral leaders.

Opportunities abound in helping to make a difference by supporting ministries at home and globally. And if we need a little extra help in the area of financial gift planning, the CHOG Foundation also offers assistance and education in practicing holistic stewardship. I’ll be the first to admit that financial planning often overwhelms me. I’m a word person, not a numbers person.

Yet, despite that deficit, I can still return to the basics of Scripture to guide me. I am assured that God cares for me, his daughter. If he feeds the birds, he’s certainly going to care for me (Matthew 6:26). I don’t need to struggle with that phrase, God owns it all. Yes, He does. And that’s a good thing. I can’t think of anyone who cares more about me than my Heavenly Father. No matter my doubts, no matter my struggles, He remains unwavering in His love.

To give back to God is to honor Him.

Minnesota writer Audrey Kletscher Helbling gladly hands over her financial information each year to her accountant. She’s thankful for the blessings of Christian tax preparers and financial consultants who use their talents to help her. Numbers, she admits, are not her thing.