Jesus makes it clear that giving to the kingdom of God is one of the best investments we can make in our lives. See Matthew 6:19-21 where He says:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

No economic downturn can affect such an investment - because it is kept in heaven for us! (see 1 Peter 1:4)

However before we give financially to any institution we need to be sure that the money we give will be administered faithfully and in the case of the church will be used for the furtherance of God's kingdom.

Sadly there are some people that promise God will bless people with great wealth if they give to the church. If leaders use the church's resources for themselves, that is clearly an abuse of their privilege. We read about such people in 2 Peter 2:3.

Whilst it is true that God does indeed bless those who give to Him with many kinds of blessing there is no guarantee or promise of material riches for Christians while we are on this earth. Instead Jesus promises that those rewards are for the age which is to come. (See Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30).

The Christian life is one of sacrifice and suffering while we wait for the glory of resurrection. In this we follow the example of Jesus and of the apostles who chose to become poor in this world as they invested in the kingdom of Heaven. Their riches will last for ever and that is the best investment anyone can ever make!

So if you are settled that the church is going to use your money well and for the furtherance of God's kingdom then give as the Lord stirs your heart to give. (See 2 Corinthians 9:7).