Giving as Worship, Not Leverage

Have you ever used your giving to steer decisions?

It might seem harmless—or even wise—to designate your giving or withhold it when you disagree with leadership. But when our generosity becomes a tool for control, we cross a line. Now, let’s be honest—no one likes the word control when it’s pointed at them. However, in church life, it manifests more than we might expect.

Sometimes, people give to specific ministries because they don’t trust how the church uses general funds. Or they withhold giving when a leadership decision doesn't go their way. Maybe a new worship style, a change in staffing, or a shift in the budget makes them uncomfortable, so they respond by tightening their wallets.

Control Masquerading as Stewardship

On the surface, it might look like financial stewardship. But underneath, it can be a way of saying, “I want things to go my way, and I’ll give—or not give—to make that happen.” That’s not generosity. That’s leverage. And Scripture warns us against it. In Mark 7, Jesus confronts the Pharisees about a practice known as Corban. It was a way of designating money as “dedicated to God,” which sounds noble, but it was being used to avoid the responsibility of caring for one’s parents in their elder years. Here’s how GotQuestions.org explains it: “The Pharisees took a legitimate Corban offering and used it in an illegitimate and devious way to defraud their parents…Jesus tells the Pharisees that their misuse of Corban was an evil rationale to avoid doing what they should.”

The issue wasn’t the gift itself—it was the motive behind it. They were giving in a way that allowed them to maintain control, even if it meant dishonoring others and disobeying God. Sadly, that same spirit still lingers in how some people give today.

They say things like, “I’ll give, but only to missions, not to salaries.” Or, “I’m not giving while that pastor’s still here.” Sometimes it’s unspoken—but it’s still there. Giving becomes conditional. And those conditions often reveal an unhealthy desire to control. But here’s what we need to remember: giving isn’t about control—it’s about surrender.

The Call to Surrender

Psalm 24:1 says,

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

That includes our money. Our role isn’t to use it to steer the church. It’s to steward it faithfully for God’s purposes.

In Acts 4, we see the early church sharing resources freely. People sold land and possessions and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet. There was trust. There was unity. And there was surrender. No one said, “Here’s my gift—but make sure it goes where I want.”

Now, does this mean churches should avoid transparency or accountability? Of course not. Leaders are called to steward resources wisely and communicate openly and transparently. But giving with strings attached isn't about wisdom—it’s about control. And control is the opposite of trust.

Let me ask you: What’s driving your generosity? Is it love? Faith? Worship? Or is it preference, power, or payback?

When we give to get our way—or to withhold support until things go our way—we’re no longer giving with a cheerful heart. We’re treating God’s work like a contract, not a calling.

And here’s the good news: when we let go of control, we find peace. We don’t have to carry the weight of every decision. We don’t have to micromanage God’s Kingdom. We can give with open hands and trust that He’s working through His church—even when it looks different than we expected.

Three Steps Toward Surrendered Giving

1. Confess it to the Lord. He’s gracious and patient. Ask Him to help you give with a posture of surrender, not leverage.
2. Practice Releasing Your Preferences. That doesn’t mean you stop asking questions or seeking accountability—it just means your generosity isn’t based on getting your way.
3. Give with Trust. Trust in God. Trust in His ability to work through imperfect leaders. And trust that your giving, when done with the right heart, honors Him.

Because when we give to control, we’re placing ourselves at the center. But when we give in faith, we’re putting God where He belongs—at the center of it all.

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If you want to dive deeper into the heart behind generosity, check out Faithful Steward—our quarterly magazine for FaithFi partners.  When you become a partner with a gift of $35 per month or $400 per year, you'll receive Faithful Steward, along with early access to upcoming devotionals and Bible studies, plus Pro access to the FaithFi app. It’s our way of equipping you with more tools and encouragement to grow in faithful stewardship.  Learn more or become a partner today at FaithFi.com/Give.