When we talk about finances in the church, there's a tendency to keep the discussion very practical. We ask questions such as, "How do we encourage people to give? What kinds of fundraisers work?" All too often, we make finances a "how-to" conversation. Yet there are deep heart issues involved. One of them is our unhealthy desire for security.

People will give up salvation for slavery if it comes with the illusion of security. Think of the Israelites. When they were freed from Egypt, it didn't take long for them to ask, "Why can't we go back to slavery?" It's incredible, when you think about it. After experiencing God's salvation, they pined for slavery.

I've watched this principle play out with finances. We say we trust that God will provide for us, but the moment things get tight, we're tempted to abandon that trust in God and seek security through our own efforts. In other words, we're not all that different from the Israelites.

When Jesus commands us to pray, "Give us our daily bread," ...