Learn to Revere God - day 34

One of the things mature Christians learn over the course of their lives is how to honor God in practical ways. You see it’s one thing to just say, “I love God,” or “I worship God,” or things similar to that. But, let’s admit it, its not always clear or easy as to how we show that with our lives. Talking the talk of Christianity is one thing, walking the walk is another. So what can we do to show with our lives how we feel toward God?

In the Old Testament, God gives us something helpful for this. In Deuteronomy, Chapter 14, God gives some very detailed instructions on giving. If we read through too fast, we’d think this was just like the IRS tax code for ancient Israel. But, when you stop to read it, you see that God says that all these instructions are so that they can learn to revere the Lord their God always. God is teaching us here that giving is a tangible way that we show honor and devotion to God.

In our lives, we are tempted to think that our generosity is just about the ministry or cause or people we give to. We can also be tempted to think our generosity has nothing to do with our faith in God. But, God helps us to lift our eyes heavenward when we give.

Giving to God’s causes – like your church or a God-honoring ministry that blesses you – is you parting with your earthly treasure so that God’s will would be done. In so doing, you are saying, “God, Your will is more important than my treasure – and it is really Your treasure that You have given me to manage for You, anyway.” As you pursue your generous life, you also are learning day by day to revere God.