If we knew how big God’s shovel is, then we wouldn’t worry about digging ourselves into holes by obeying Him, especially with our giving — just ask R.G. LeTourneau, arguably one of the most successful businessmen of the 20^th century. He made millions in his lifetime as an inventor and business owner, but he gladly gave 90% of his income back to God. R.G. once said, “I shovel out the money, and God shovels it back — but God has a bigger shovel.”

Psalm 50:10 says,”…Every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” God is so rich that the wealthiest person on Earth looks like a pauper in comparison. He doesn’t need anything from us. He owns it all, but He loves it when we give to Him.

Why is giving so important to God? It shows Him we understand He is the rightful Owner of our possessions, and we are only stewards. God then blesses us when we give. His blessings are not based upon how much we have given, but according to our hearts. This means our motives must be right when we give to Him — we shouldn’t give to get, or we won’t receive anything at all.

God isn’t asking you to give 90% of your income to Him, but He is asking you to be willing to give as if He asked you for that amount. Think about all the blessings you have: a full refrigerator, closets full of clothes and shoes, a roof over your head, heating and air conditioning, money in the bank (and that doesn’t even touch your spiritual blessings). How much are these things worth? Are you being a good steward over them? Then prove it by giving a percentage of your goods to God. If you cheerfully shovel your money out to Him, He will shovel His blessings right back. Remember, He has a bigger shovel.