Acts: Life On Mission - Week 7 - Margin for Good

Margin for Good

In Acts chapter 5, we find the early church facing both unprecedented generosity and serious challenges. People were donating freely to meet the needs of others, building a community where resources were shared, and the gospel spread like wildfire. But amidst this generosity, we also encounter the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who misrepresented their giving and faced grave consequences. This dramatic account highlights an essential truth: when we misuse resources, pretending generosity without true sacrifice, it leads to spiritual and personal loss.

Giving with Integrity

This narrative emphasizes that how we manage and present our resources is of profound importance to God. Ananias and Sapphira weren’t judged for withholding money but for lying about their intentions. Their story reminds us of the Third Commandment in Exodus 20:7: “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God.” This commandment goes beyond words to our actions, especially when we use God’s name or His work to appear righteous.

True faith calls us to integrity, honesty, and a desire to use our resources for God’s Kingdom without pretense. The way we handle our resources is a testimony to our priorities and relationship with God.

A Call to Generous Living

In 1 Timothy 6:18-19, Paul urges believers to “be rich in good works and generous to those in need.” When we understand our finances as tools for Kingdom impact, it shifts our mindset from ownership to stewardship. To reach a place of generosity, however, we need margin—the intentional creation of space between what we have and what we need. By budgeting wisely and living below our means, we can build this margin, positioning ourselves to give abundantly and invest in God’s mission.

The importance of creating margin lies in its ability to free us for Kingdom purposes. Jesus encourages us to “store up treasures in heaven” in Matthew 6:19-20, a practice that directs our hearts toward eternity rather than earthly gain.

The Power of Tithing: Making an Eternal Investment

Tithing is a way to build margin and prioritize God’s work. Tithing—giving the first 10% of our income to God—reflects trust in God’s provision, commitment to the mission of the church, and an acknowledgment that everything we have comes from Him. When we tithe, we allow God to transform our income into Kingdom investments with eternal impact. It’s a decision that stretches our faith and breaks the hold of greed and self-reliance on our hearts.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:6 tell us that “God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.” When we pursue godly justice with our resources, God meets our needs abundantly. Just as Jesus fed the multitudes from a few loaves and fishes, He can multiply the impact of our faithful giving.

Why Create Margin for Good?

Margin allows us to meet needs, give generously, and live freely. By creating financial space, we can invest in the mission of the church and support the outreach and discipleship initiatives that reach people with the gospel. Additionally, margin lets us avoid the pitfalls that come with living paycheck to paycheck. In times of abundance or need, margin gives us room to grow spiritually and practically.

Tithing and intentional generosity demonstrate that:

1. It provides for God’s house – Tithing supports church ministries and community outreach.
2. It builds trust in God – Giving reminds us that God is our ultimate provider.
3. It creates space for God’s provision – When we give, we make room for God to bless and sustain us.
4. It aligns our money with Kingdom purposes – Our resources become tools for spreading the gospel.
5. It makes our income eternally significant – Earthly wealth gains eternal value when invested in God’s work.
6. It sets us free from greed and self-reliance – Generosity loosens the grip of materialism.
7. It prioritizes God in our lives – When we give first to God, He remains central in our finances and values.

Practical Steps for Creating Margin

Creating margin isn’t always easy, especially when financial challenges arise. Life brings expenses—medical bills, school debt, and rising costs. But a dedicated effort to budget, save, and reduce unnecessary spending allows us to build margin over time. While it requires discipline, margin positions us to give freely and support the work God is doing through the church.

Creating and sticking to a budget is a powerful way to build financial stability, prioritize giving, and experience the peace that comes from living within our means. Instead of being consumed by the world’s drive for more, Jesus invites us to make space for generosity and depend on God’s provision. When we live with margin, we are freed to focus on Kingdom work and be a blessing to those around us.

Key Scripture References:

• Acts 5:1-11 – The story of Ananias and Sapphira.
• Exodus 20:7 – “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God.”
• 1 Timothy 6:18-19 – Instruction to be generous and “rich in good works.”
• Matthew 6:19-20 – “Store your treasures in heaven…”
• Matthew 5:6 – “God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice…”

As we commit to giving generously, let’s remember that God honors and blesses lives lived with margin for His purposes. Our resources, when freely offered to Him, become tools for incredible Kingdom work.

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