Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
(2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NLT)
Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to church we go. We fully expect there will be chairs, lights, music, sound, etc. We expect to hear a well-prepared message that is biblically sound and is delivered in a polished fashion. We expect that the church will be actively involved in the community, be a supporter of foreign missions, and have programs for the spiritual betterment of all the family. In this moment in history, we expect that someone will have diligently cleaned all surfaces, made provision for rest rooms to be clean, and taken all the precautions recommended by health experts. And the coffee had better be hot! I assure you there are those who, should someone contract the virus, will immediately explore due diligence statutes and lawsuit possibilities. They just will. I’m not cynical, just old. Pay the insurance premium!
With all that in mind, here’s a thought. Before you go, take time to “decide in your heart” how much to give. The Greek for “decide in your heart” is used just this one time. It means to think ahead and set priorities: decide what is important to you and give accordingly. If having a gathering place that actually strives to do all the above is important to you, then take a minute to decide in your heart what priority giving looks like for you today. Have it ready before you go, and give it with a big “Hi ho, hi ho.” God will love it.
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