How much is too much? When I look at givers, I marvel at their use of the gift and I wonder. I wonder about a lot of issues. Is there a limit to what they should give? Is there a specified place or a forbidden one? Is there a better time or a time to restrain from using the gift? What would be too little? I wonder.
I’m not just addressing financial giving, although that is certainly a primary use of the gift. Some folks are gifted to be able to do multiple things equally well at the same time. Some folks are able to pour themselves into a one on one with soothing healing ‘Balm of Gilead’ essence. I wonder, is an outright grin too much or is a slight distance smile enough. What assessment ensures the proper limit is not breached?
How about an example? A financial gift of one hundred thousand dollars; is it too much? Or what about a commitment by a Sunday School teacher who also drives the church van to pick up children and sings in the choir to help out in junior church? Is the treasurer, the trustee, the adult Sunday school teacher and the Wednesday night fifth and sixth grade boys teacher all the same person?
At what point do you express concern over their level of giving? Givers tend to hang back at meal time to make sure others have enough. They give out of their necessities more often than not. They can easily be manipulated by those with the gift of greed. Yes I believe that is a spiritual gift also. It just comes from a different spirit. Yet in a spiritually mature environment, the Lord installs gifted servants according to His grace. Jeremiah 11:29 says “I know the plans I have for you says the Lord”. Patience is an attitude required to find oneself in the circle of obedience when standing in the showers of His blessings. Let’s make an application from the greatest gift giver. Not about His greatest gift but rather about the benefits and effects of proper use.
Exodus sixteen twelve says the purpose of gifting the giftee is to identify the gifter. Matthew seven twenty says you will know them by their fruits. A fruit tree gives fruit. Someone who manages their time well might easily be able to offer their time for other endeavors above and beyond what some might be able to do. Giving of money is no different. God said you will eat flesh at night and bread in the morning. He said you will have everything you need; not because you deserve it but because He is able. He did not give more than was needed. He restrained His giving to provide the fulfillment of His promise. Even those who attempted to be greedy found His promise true. When they entered the promised land the gifts ceased. By this all men knew that He was indeed God. He did not eliminate their responsibility to be obedient, but He did eliminate their ability to receive the glory for what He did.
God also told them how much and when (verses 21-22) and when not to. Rebellion, disobedience, selfishness, God complex, whatever you wish to define it as, it is the choice to do it your way without consulting Him or His book. It is ok for you to do all you do and all you want to do if you don’t care about His reaction (verse 28). You had better care. Can you give too much, do too much, care too much? If you have not consulted Jesus the answer is you already have. You are His. Your gifts talents abilities, even your desires are from Him, IF, Big IF, if you are obedient first and giving as a result of obedience. Otherwise some of those attributes may come from Satan, from sin, or from self. Give all you can. Do all the good you can. Be as available as you can. Just be sure the Lord Jesus says you can.