Key Takeaways
1. Fear hinders generosity: Overcome irrational financial anxieties
For many believers, cheerful giving has become fearful giving.
Fear paralyzes generosity. Many Christians struggle with giving due to financial anxieties rather than greed. These fears often stem from irrational thoughts about future needs and economic uncertainties. To overcome this, believers must recognize that withholding from God out of fear is counterproductive and illogical.
Confront your "what ifs". Common fears include:
- What if we can't afford groceries?
- What if we lose our job?
- What if unexpected expenses arise?
By addressing these concerns head-on and trusting God's provision, Christians can break free from the paralysis of financial fear and embrace generous giving as an act of faith.
2. Stewardship mindset: Recognize God as the true owner of your resources
Picture yourself receiving ten one-dollar bills from God. Remember, God is the owner and you're just a steward, not an owner.
Shift your perspective. Adopting a stewardship mindset is crucial for overcoming fear in giving. This involves recognizing that all resources ultimately belong to God, and we are merely managers of His wealth.
Practical implications:
- View your income as God's provision, not solely your earnings
- Make financial decisions with the awareness that you're handling God's resources
- Seek God's guidance in how to allocate His funds
- Embrace the responsibility and privilege of being a faithful steward
This mindset shift helps alleviate the fear of loss associated with giving, as you realize you're not giving away your own possessions but managing God's resources for His purposes.
3. The law of the harvest: Generous giving leads to abundant returns
. . . whoever sows generously will also reap generously . . .
Sowing and reaping principle. The Bible teaches that generous giving is not a loss but an investment with promised returns. This principle applies to finances as well as other areas of life.
Key aspects of the law of the harvest:
- There's a direct correlation between how much you give and how much you receive
- God promises to provide for the needs of generous givers
- The returns may not always be financial but can include spiritual blessings, joy, and eternal rewards
- This principle is not about getting rich but about partnering with God in His kingdom work
Understanding and embracing this principle can help overcome the fear that giving will lead to lack or poverty.
4. Priority giving: Put God first in your financial decisions
Of all the items in your monthly budget, giving should be the top priority. Not just a priority, but the first one.
First fruits principle. Prioritizing giving means allocating resources to God's work before addressing personal needs or wants. This act of faith demonstrates trust in God's provision and aligns your finances with His priorities.
Practical steps for priority giving:
- Set aside your giving portion immediately upon receiving income
- Create a budget that starts with your giving commitment
- Adjust other expenses to accommodate your giving goals
- View giving as an essential "bill" rather than an optional expense
By making giving a top priority, you position yourself to experience God's faithfulness and provision in your finances.
5. Percentage-based giving: Start with tithing and progress over time
For me, tithing on the gross amount is a reasonable proposition. I've found that you can adjust your lifestyle to fit just about any variable once you make up your mind to do so.
Start with a benchmark. While the New Testament doesn't mandate a specific percentage, tithing (giving 10% of income) provides a helpful starting point for developing a consistent giving practice.
Progressive giving strategy:
- Begin with a percentage you can commit to consistently, even if it's less than 10%
- Gradually increase your giving percentage over time
- Consider tithing on gross income rather than net for greater impact
- Regularly reassess your giving goals and adjust as your faith and finances grow
This approach allows for growth in generosity while providing a clear, measurable target for giving.
6. Prompted giving: Respond to God's nudges for spontaneous generosity
From time to time, God may prompt you to make a special gift that goes beyond a rote formula. It can be the most relational experience in all your giving.
Listen for divine nudges. While having a structured giving plan is important, remain open to God's prompts for spontaneous generosity. These moments often lead to powerful experiences of God's guidance and provision.
Characteristics of prompted giving:
- Often involves meeting unexpected needs
- May require stepping out in faith beyond your comfort zone
- Provides opportunities for immediate impact
- Strengthens your sensitivity to God's leading in finances
Cultivating a willingness to respond to these prompts can lead to some of the most joyful and meaningful giving experiences.
7. Invite God into your finances: Experience His provision and peace
If you want God involved in your finances, you need to put your finances to work for God's interests. And that means you need to give.
Partner with God. Inviting God into your finances through generous giving opens the door to experiencing His supernatural provision and peace. This partnership alleviates financial fears and anxiety.
Benefits of divine partnership in finances:
- Increased awareness of God's provision in your life
- Greater peace and contentment, regardless of circumstances
- Wisdom for financial decisions
- Opportunities to witness God's faithfulness firsthand
By actively involving God in your finances through giving, you position yourself to experience His involvement in meeting your needs.
8. Kingdom investments: Eternal rewards outweigh temporary losses
What is given away cannot be taken away. Money invested in God's kingdom is immediately out of reach of the most turbulent of economic conditions. It is the most secure of all investments.
Eternal perspective. Viewing giving as an investment in God's kingdom shifts the focus from temporary financial security to eternal rewards. This perspective helps overcome the fear of loss associated with giving.
Characteristics of kingdom investments:
- Immune to economic fluctuations and market crashes
- Yield eternal dividends beyond monetary returns
- Accumulate treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)
- Provide lasting significance and impact
Embracing this eternal perspective can liberate believers from the fear of financial insecurity and motivate generous giving.
9. The joy of giving: Move from obligation to passionate worship
You'll know you've gotten beyond your fear when you begin to experience joy in the act of giving.
Cultivate a giving heart. The ultimate goal of overcoming fear in giving is to experience the deep joy and fulfillment that comes from generous living. This joy transforms giving from a duty to a delight.
Signs of joyful giving:
- Excitement about making a kingdom impact
- Eagerness to find new giving opportunities
- Gratitude for the ability to participate in God's work
- Sense of purpose and fulfillment in financial stewardship
As fear diminishes and joy increases, giving becomes a natural expression of worship and love for God, rather than a burdensome obligation.
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FAQ
What's "Fields of Gold" by Andy Stanley about?
- Overview:"Fields of Gold" by Andy Stanley explores the concept of giving from a Christian perspective, focusing on overcoming the fear associated with financial generosity.
- Main Theme: The book emphasizes the joy and freedom that come from trusting God with one's finances and the importance of biblical stewardship.
- Purpose: Stanley aims to shift the reader's mindset from fearful giving to joyful, faith-driven generosity, encouraging believers to partner with God in His work.
- Structure: The book is structured around personal stories, biblical teachings, and practical advice to help readers understand and apply the principles of generous giving.
Why should I read "Fields of Gold"?
- Transformative Perspective: The book offers a fresh perspective on financial stewardship, encouraging readers to view their resources as tools for God's kingdom.
- Practical Guidance: It provides practical steps and biblical principles for overcoming financial fears and embracing a lifestyle of generosity.
- Spiritual Growth: Reading the book can lead to spiritual growth by aligning one's financial practices with biblical teachings and deepening trust in God's provision.
- Inspiring Stories: The book includes inspiring stories of individuals who have experienced the joy and freedom of generous giving, serving as motivation for readers.
What are the key takeaways of "Fields of Gold"?
- Fear vs. Faith: The book highlights the importance of overcoming fear in financial matters and trusting God to provide for one's needs.
- Sowing and Reaping: Stanley emphasizes the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, suggesting that generous giving leads to abundant blessings.
- God's Involvement: Inviting God into one's financial life can lead to unexpected provision and opportunities to impact His kingdom.
- Joy of Giving: The ultimate goal is to experience the joy and fulfillment that come from being a cheerful and generous giver.
How does Andy Stanley address fear in "Fields of Gold"?
- Identifying Fear: Stanley identifies fear as a major obstacle to generous giving, often rooted in concerns about financial security and future needs.
- Biblical Assurance: He uses biblical teachings to assure readers that God will provide for their needs when they prioritize His kingdom.
- Personal Stories: The book includes personal stories and testimonies of individuals who have overcome financial fears through faith and generosity.
- Practical Steps: Stanley offers practical steps to help readers confront and dismantle their fears, encouraging them to trust in God's promises.
What is the "Law of the Harvest" in "Fields of Gold"?
- Biblical Principle: The "Law of the Harvest" is a biblical principle that suggests those who sow generously will also reap generously.
- Financial Application: Stanley applies this principle to finances, encouraging readers to give generously and expect God's blessings in return.
- Encouragement: The concept is used to encourage readers to trust in God's provision and to view giving as an investment rather than a loss.
- Spiritual Growth: Understanding and applying this principle can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.
How does "Fields of Gold" redefine stewardship?
- Stewardship as Partnership: Stanley redefines stewardship as a partnership with God, where believers manage His resources for His purposes.
- Beyond Tithing: The book encourages readers to move beyond the traditional concept of tithing to a more holistic view of financial stewardship.
- Heart Condition: True stewardship is seen as a reflection of the heart's condition, focusing on generosity and trust in God's provision.
- Practical Application: Stanley provides practical advice on how to live out this redefined stewardship in everyday financial decisions.
What are the "Three P's" of giving in "Fields of Gold"?
- Priority Giving: Giving should be the first priority in one's budget, reflecting the importance of God's work in one's life.
- Percentage Giving: Stanley suggests giving a set percentage of income, such as the traditional tithe, to ensure consistent and intentional generosity.
- Progressive Giving: As one's faith and financial situation grow, the percentage of giving should also increase, reflecting a growing trust in God.
- Guiding Principles: These principles serve as a framework for developing a personal giving plan that aligns with biblical teachings.
What role does "Prompted Giving" play in "Fields of Gold"?
- Spontaneous Generosity: Prompted giving involves responding to God's promptings to give spontaneously, beyond regular planned giving.
- Relational Experience: It emphasizes the relational aspect of giving, where believers respond to God's guidance in meeting specific needs.
- Flexibility: This approach allows for flexibility and responsiveness to unique opportunities for generosity that arise unexpectedly.
- Joyful Participation: Prompted giving enhances the joy of giving by allowing believers to participate in God's work in real-time.
How does Andy Stanley use personal stories in "Fields of Gold"?
- Illustrative Examples: Personal stories are used to illustrate the principles of generous giving and the impact of overcoming financial fears.
- Relatable Experiences: These stories provide relatable experiences that readers can connect with, making the concepts more tangible and accessible.
- Inspiration: The stories serve as inspiration, showing the real-life benefits and joy that come from trusting God with one's finances.
- Testimonies of Faith: They act as testimonies of faith, demonstrating how individuals have experienced God's provision and blessings through generosity.
What are the best quotes from "Fields of Gold" and what do they mean?
- "Fear has a way of twisting the truth." This quote highlights how fear can distort one's perception of reality, especially in financial matters.
- "The law of the harvest applies to your finances." It emphasizes the biblical principle that generous giving leads to abundant blessings.
- "God is looking for people who are trustworthy stewards." This quote underscores the importance of managing God's resources faithfully and generously.
- "The joy of giving is the ultimate reward." It captures the essence of the book's message, that true fulfillment comes from being a cheerful giver.
How does "Fields of Gold" encourage readers to involve God in their finances?
- Invitation to Partner: Stanley encourages readers to invite God into their financial lives by prioritizing His kingdom in their giving.
- Trust in Provision: The book reassures readers that God will provide for their needs when they trust Him with their resources.
- Practical Steps: It offers practical steps for involving God in financial decisions, such as setting giving priorities and responding to His promptings.
- Spiritual Growth: Involving God in finances is presented as a path to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Him.
What impact does "Fields of Gold" aim to have on its readers?
- Mindset Shift: The book aims to shift readers' mindsets from fear-based giving to joyful, faith-driven generosity.
- Increased Generosity: It seeks to inspire increased generosity by providing biblical principles and practical guidance for giving.
- Spiritual Transformation: Stanley hopes to facilitate spiritual transformation by encouraging readers to trust God more deeply with their finances.
- Kingdom Impact: Ultimately, the book aims to have a kingdom impact by mobilizing resources for God's work through the generosity of believers.
Fields of Gold by Andy Stanley is highly praised for its concise yet impactful message on giving and generosity. Readers appreciate Stanley's focus on overcoming fear and trusting God in financial matters. The book challenges Christians to view themselves as stewards of God's resources and encourages joyful, fearless giving. While some found it basic or repetitive, many readers were inspired to reassess their giving habits. Stanley's practical approach and biblical perspective resonated with most reviewers, making it a recommended read for those seeking to grow in generosity.
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