Sow a seed, reap a harvest.
That is a Scriptural principle.
Unfortunately, I think it is a principle that is being perverted by some well-known preachers.
For the record, I believe in giving with an expectation that God will return a blessing to me. His Word is filled with promises that He will do exactly that. What troubles me is the growing practice of “manipulating” the faithful with promises of greater blessings, greater anointing and greater favor if they will “plant a seed”. Some powerful and anointed ministries have reduced themselves to little more than sellers of the Gospel.
You can’t buy the Gospel.
It is a free gift from God. Sending $77.00 will not get you a seven times greater blessing. God will still see the intent of your heart as you give, but promises from television ministers ring shallow when they become salesmen rather than ministers. I have stopped following some ministries which have had a wonderful anointing because they have begun spending most of their time harvesting money instead of harvesting souls.
There are plenty of legitimate ministries that ask for contributions. Just because some have twisted the principles of God to serve their own purposes, does not negate those principles. I am responsible for taking the offering at my church, and I regularly recite the promises of God’s Word for faithful givers. It isn’t the asking that bothers me. It’s not reminding people of promised blessing that bothers me. What bothers me is the use of God’s Word and His promises to facilitate the manipulation of God’s people.
If you want a greater anointing, more blessings and a closer relationship with God, start spending more time in prayer. Invest more time in reading and meditating on His Word. And, yes, be faithful in your giving.
God loves a cheerful giver.
***Gordon Howie is an author and CEO of Life and Liberty Media***
“It’s not about right or left, it’s about Right or Wrong.”
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I might add, striving to be more Christlike too. I would encourage everyone to read 1st and 2nd Peter especially concentrating on 2 Peter 2:2-11 where it talks about the charactoristics we should be striving to develop: Faith, Virtue, Knowledge, Temperance, Patience, Godliness, Brotherly Love and Charity.
Just think how much better the world would be if each of us would develop these traits — especially forgiveness and charity