05/05/2026
CHRIST'S GOSPEL AMBASSADORS DAILY DEVOTIONAL. 5/5/2026
AUTHOR: Apostle Dr. Charles C. Ndubuisi
TOPIC: THE MINISTRY OF GIVING.
"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." (NLT'15 2Co 9:7-8)
The concept of ministry encompasses rendering service. In addition to singing and ushering ministries, there exists a distinct ministry known as the ministry of giving. This ministry focuses on financing Christ's Kingdom purposes. Just as churches require various ministries, the giving ministry plays a vital role within the church. Ideally, every church member should participate in this ministry. The financial needs of the ministry are intended to be met by its members.
It is essential to recognize that church ministry cannot function effectively without financial partnerships. While church ministry is freely distributed, its operational costs are substantial. Consider the expenses incurred in running a church for a week; they far exceed those of managing a household. Yet, some church members perceive certain financial contributions as excessive. This mindset is selfish, as it implies that the church deserves minimal support while one's household warrants more.
It requires maturity to understand that giving is not solely motivated by the desire for blessings, but rather by a sense of responsibility. As a son matures within a household, he begins to contribute to the family's expenses. Similarly, as church members grow spiritually, they should assume responsibility for the church's maintenance. This distinction separates those who are truly invested in the church from those who are merely attendees. A committed member recognizes the importance of giving, as their heart is invested, whereas a hireling is primarily concerned with receiving wages. Although a hireling may receive compensation, a committed member will receive more, as their motivation is not driven by personal gain.
Unfortunately, many church members adopt a hireling mentality, focusing solely on receiving blessings rather than contributing to the church's growth. Nevertheless, genuine givers within the church will ultimately receive blessings, although this should not be their primary motivation. Jesus emphasized this point, stating, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (NLT'15 Mt 6:33)
The giving ministry serves as a gauge for measuring the state of one's heart, as expressed in the following verse: "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." (NLT'15 Lk 12:34) Giving is a tangible expression of love, commitment, and responsibility.
As illustrated in the opening verse, giving is not exclusive to select individuals within the church; rather, it is a responsibility shared by all who wish to contribute to the financial well-being of the body of Christ. The ministries of Jesus and the Apostles flourished due to the unwavering financial support of committed sons and daughters.
Today, make a conscious decision to transition from being a passive church member, disconnected from the financial aspects of running a service, to becoming an active participant in the giving ministry.
KEY POINT:
Giving is vital to financing Christ's kingdom purposes. Every church member should participate, not just for blessings, but out of responsibility, and grow from a passive to an active participant.
