Reflections of Hope: Lee Martin

SMPC Note: As part of our 2025 Operating Fund Campaign, Live Into Hope, we are highlighting members’ experiences at SMPC as they live into the hope of God’s mercy and love at SMPC. We hope you enjoy this series, Reflections of Hope, and consider making a pledge as we embrace the hope that flows from God’s grace, inspiring our collective efforts as a faith community.

Reflections of Hope, Monday, November 4, 2024: Lee Martin

While Ephesians 1:17-19 does not explicitly mention tithing, it emphasizes spiritual growth, enlightenment, and an understanding of God’s blessings. The scripture highlights the hope, riches, and power that come from knowing God deeply and recognizing His abundant provision. In the context of tithing, this scripture feels like a gentle reminder that when we truly understand God’s generosity and the “riches of His glorious inheritance,” we may be inspired to give, acknowledging God’s “immeasurable greatness” even as we can’t fully comprehend it. Personally, I have come to see tithing as a tangible response to God’s immeasurable blessings in my life.

For most of my adult life, I didn’t tithe regularly; I would occasionally give to the church at special times like Christmas or Easter and even then, was a little reluctant to give my money away. As a child in the church, I remember watching those around me reach into their pockets, grab their wallets, and slowly pull out some money, keeping it clenched tightly in their hands until the plate arrived at which point they would slowly (reluctantly?) drop it into the plate as it passed. While I wasn’t making meaning of this as a kid, as I reflect, it makes me wonder if people planned out their giving, or just gave a bill that seemed safe that day.

This was my mental model of giving for many years until I read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency² in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

My giving behavior didn’t change right away, but when I did give, I always thought about that scripture and found that my grip wasn’t quite as tight. Over the years, as my faith grew through service activities, small groups, bible studies, and spiritual guidance from my mentors, I started to see God’s fingerprints on my life. I wanted that for others, too. Giving generously became another tool to expand God’s kingdom. When I read Proverbs 3:9-10 and applied it to my giving habits, things changed for me.

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

First fruits. God didn’t want what we (I am married now in this story!) had left at the end of the month. Our money isn’t even ours in the first place, really. God wants us to TRUST, and recognize that He alone provides for all of our needs. His abundant love is sufficient for my family and me. Giving faithfully has become a tangible act of worship and trust in the Lord to provide and meet all of our needs. Joyfully giving our first fruits is a way to lessen our perceived control and have full faith in our Lord. The act of giving is a spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God’s purpose for our lives. While there are too many stories to count, in the moments when we have felt stressed about finances, God always shows up and reminds us to keep giving the first fruits.

To my SPMC community, your gifts have an immeasurable impact now and in the years to come. Some results you will see; some you will not. The joy is in the giving, trusting that God will take care of the outcome. Some of you know this truth already, and for others, I hope you will take the next step: I can assure you that when you become a regular, cheerful giver, your heart and family will be forever changed.