Review: You of Little Faith

In You of Little Faith: How Bold Giving Leads to Great Blessings (Baker Books, 2019), pastor Ryan Thomas confronts American Christianity by claiming that the deterrent to spiritual growth may very well be a lack of giving. Thomas contends that people who give posture themselves to receive rewards. The first is stronger faith; giving becomes a test of faithfulness to God’s promises. Next, giving provides freedom from materialism and paves a new way to live. Third, giving leads to financial provisions. Finally, giving results in treasures in heaven, with a view toward spiritual friendship with God and others.

On the one hand, Thomas calls nominal Christians to action—especially in an age when giving is low. On the other hand, Thomas can be critiqued for being too inflammatory and perhaps unnecessarily prophetic. His arguments are largely sourced from his personal experience and stories, with weaker biblical, historical, and theological support. Much of the complexities and nuances of tithing have been reduced to cheesy corporate leadership slogans that can easily slip into a works-righteousness faith. Nonetheless, Thomas’ point remains a necessary call for Christians. Giving may not immediately solve every spiritual issue. But if giving is sourced in the heart, as Thomas rightly points out, then adjusting the heart habits positions a believer to be better formed by God for his will and purposes.

A complimentary review copy was given in exchange for an honest review.

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