"Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have."

-          2 Cor. 8:11

 

        In the world of economics, money provides the means of buying and purchasing goods, or paying for services rendered. What might work with one country may not work for another. You have to convert your currency into whatever is legal tender in the country you are conducting business. Grace is a heavenly commodity. It works to make heavenly transactions. When you are doing business for the kingdom of God, you can expect what you sow to be measured back to you in terms of an investment. God is very conscious of your investments. He knows everything you have ever done for the kingdom. Paul even mentioned in his letter to the Philippians "Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account" (Phil. 4:17). One of the uses of this word "account" refers to a reckoning score - to make a reckoning, to settle an account, something that is to your advantage. Whatever it is you give; your money, your time, your talents, your prayers, your love - it is all viewed in heaven as an investment.              

        In Second Corinthians nine it says, "Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness" (2 Cor. 9:10). Think about what he is saying! When you sow into the kingdom, you are giving to those who minister the Word. Your support is converted into words, which are invested into the lives of people. God measures it back as bread for your food, which means a supply for your need. He also multiplies your seed. In other words, whatever has now been converted into the Word of grace has a multiplying effect. That same Word can be planted and replanted, producing and reproducing with an unlimited yield. Just think about the impact of that one seed of grace, which Martin Luther sowed on justification by faith? It shook a nation, a continent, even the world! Paul went on to say that your seed will increase the fruits of your righteousness. Righteousness is not money; yet, your giving yields the fruits of righteousness. How is that possible? We know that righteousness is a position you have with heaven through the blood of the cross. You cannot buy righteousness, but you can empower your position through investing into the kingdom. When you sow in accordance with God's will, you are engaging in a heavenly transaction. Your seed creates a heavenly exchange. Things that are intangible, which are yours by right of your covenant with God, are converted into tangible assets - such assets as: freedom from fear, agitating passions, moral conflicts, healing of the mind and body, financial deliverance, favor, protection, and the list can go on and on. You do not buy these sorts of things through your giving, but what does happen is it increases the power of your position of exchange. God sees your willingness to invest in his business as a partnership adventure. He takes your earthly materialities and converts them through a heavenly exchange into a yield of heavenly realities.

        Malachi talks about how your tithes and offerings enforce your right to be protected from the devourer. God said himself, "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sake, and he shall not destroy the fruit of your ground..." (Mal. 3:10, 11). Jesus said, "The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy..." (John 10:10). Peter said, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet. 5:8). There is an enemy on the loose that is always seeking an opportunity to devour, wherever and whenever he can. He would like nothing more than to disrupt the flow of God's economy in your life. Tithing doesn't buy your protection, but it does empower you, through your obedience, to connect with the economy of grace. What you need to do is start seeing money as a grace deposit. If you stop and think about it, everything you have belongs to God. The air you breathe, the abilities you possess - they are all a gift from heaven. You should never take these things for granted. How God has blessed you financially shouldn't be taken for granted either. When you start viewing money as a grace deposit, then you aren't as apt to cling to it or covet it for yourself. Jesus said, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Luke 12:15). Never allow money to rule you - you rule over it! Since God has graced you with it, let him have control to do as he wills to do with it. If you can ever get to the point where you see your money as his money, then something wonderful will occur. He'll open up the treasury of heaven and allow you to see that his money is your money. Do you have any idea what that means? It means that you have access to his holdings. God's holdings are not measured in dollars and cents! They are measured by a heavenly commodity - grace, which connects us to the abundance of all things!