Giving God’s Way
September 13, 2026
Dr. Paul Cannings
Tithing sermons can turn some people off immediately. What is interesting, however, is that many of these same people want God to bless them but do not want to experience His blessings God’s way. People may not want to pay for all that education requires, but they make the investment because they want the results. They may not want to pay expensive medical bills, but they do so because they want their health issues resolved. Yet, when God speaks about giving, excuses sometimes abound—especially when it comes to what the preacher wears or drives, or whether they like the church or not. All of this can take place while they continue to expect God to bless them.
Henry P. Crowell, affectionately called “The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table,” contracted tuberculosis as a boy and was unable to attend school. After hearing a sermon by Dwight L. Moody, young Crowell prayed, “I can’t be a preacher, but I can be a good businessman. God, if You will let me make money, I will use it in Your service.” At the advice of his doctor, Crowell worked outdoors for seven years and eventually regained his health. He later purchased the small, run-down Quaker Mill in Ravenna, Ohio. Within ten years, Quaker Oats had become a household name to millions. Crowell also operated the large Perfection Stove Company. For more than forty years, Henry P. Crowell faithfully gave 60 to 70 percent of his income to God’s causes, having increased from an initial 10 percent.[1]
We often expect God to provide for us while struggling to demonstrate any genuine sense of appreciation for what He has already done. We must always remember that we bless God because He first blessed us. Giving is an expression of respect, appreciation, and trust in God. It demonstrates our confidence that God “is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20).
Notice that this verse says, “the power that works within us.” That power is the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). Our obedience, under the influence and direction of the Holy Spirit, positions us to experience God’s continued provision and blessing.
Paul reinforces this principle in 2 Corinthians 9:10–11:
“Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.”
Everyone wants to be “enriched in everything,” but not everyone wants to do it God’s way. Notice that being “enriched in everything” is connected to being enriched “for all liberality.” God’s provision is not merely for our consumption; it is also intended to enable our generosity.
Giving has always been an expression of respect, reverence, and honor toward God. From the time giving was commanded to the nation of Israel, it was directly connected to worship. Giving was not an optional activity separate from worship; it was an expression of worship. Malachi 1:6–14 makes clear that the way God’s people gave was a reflection of how they regarded and revered Him. Worship without giving is incomplete because giving is one of the ways we demonstrate our honor, gratitude, reverence, and trust in God.
[1] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 474). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.