There is a ministry on TV every weekend, usually in the middle of the night. These days, I am up at that time because I can’t go back to sleep. I’m not sure why I even give the program a minute of my time because I know that no matter what they are saying when I tune in, they will eventually ask viewers to give money.

I have watched enough to know they ask for a donation of $1000. They call it a “seed offering.” The speaker assures me that God will take my offering and bless it, and I will receive many times more than what I gave. I have wondered Why does it have to be $1000? I did notice during the COVID pandemic, they only asked for $333, and then it went down to 58 dollars a month! Their plea must work because they keep doing it. I think many people are so desperate for money that they will try anything.

I have also pondered I wonder what God thinks of this so-called ministry. How will He judge them? I mean, couldn’t there be a “Dollar Tree Church?” And why is giving money to them all they ever talk about? I respect the TV ministries that never directly ask for money. They might give you an opportunity to support them, but they don’t use their expensive TV time, only asking for money.

“If God is in it, He will fund it.”

Bill Gothard

Here is what I know for sure is true: God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) He will bless you if you give, for the right reasons, especially if you do it his way. According to Malachi 3:10. You can never outgive God. Giving is about the attitude of your heart and not about getting something back. With that said, I started tithing at the age of eleven. I give credit to God that I have never gone lacking for a job. I also gave Him praise when I was able to retire at age 55. Trust me, it wasn’t due to me being a financial expert when it came to investing.

The next time you are up in the middle of the night, and you come across a TV minister asking you to send him a $1000 seed, resist the urge. If you still want to sow a financial seed, plant it into your local church that you know is building God’s kingdom and not their own.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady