by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Matthew 6:19-21

Make sure your children know that you value God's work by giving to Him.

In a survey of church giving in 2010, pollsters found that 38% of churches had decreased giving. Fifty-five percent of those church who saw decline were in the pacific states of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii. Even churches outside the United States saw a twenty-four percent decrease in giving. What's surprising is the churches who saw the most decline in giving were churches with over two thousand members. Forty-seven percent of churches with over two thousand members saw a decline in giving, while only thirty-six percent of churches with under one hundred members saw a decrease. (Statistics provided by 2010 State of the Plate surveys)

While God's work continues even in tough economic times, many times Christian giving slows down. We've recently examined God's commands for tithing and giving. But today, let's look at giving and generosity from a different perspective.

Over the next few days we're going to look at a few foundations that need to be set to build healthy, God-honoring families. What can we as parents, and even single adults, do right now that will help us raise godly children? First, notice the foundation of giving.

Did you know that only three percent of Christian church attenders in the United States tithe? Granted, the percentage for strictly Baptist churches would be different, but think about that number-only three percent of attenders are obeying God's command to give.

Matthew 6 lays out a logical approach to giving by saying, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." Nothing we have right now will be with us in Heaven! But by investing our resources in God's work and in seeing others saved, we will have those rewards for all eternity.

Establishing the foundation of being generous with your resources sets a good example for your children and future children. Your children notice where you spend your money-whether it's on the latest technological gadget or at church. They know what you prioritize in life by where most of your money goes. As God says, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Teach your children early on that Mom and Dad put a priority on God's work. Be faithful in your giving to God, and in your giving to others. Don't let them see parents who are so consumed with getting and keeping money that they miss out on the blessing of being involved in God's work.

Giving isn't about your church wanting your money, but about God wanting your heart. God wants you to put Him above the rest of your earthly financial pursuits. And when you do, He has more blessings to give to you than you could ever give back to Him.

If we were to take a look at your bank statement, what would we see that you prioritize? What kind of an example are you setting for your children? Establish a foundation of loose-fistedness when it comes to tithing and giving to God. Make sure your children know that you value God's work by giving to Him.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 129-131 | 1 Corinthians 11:1-16