What is the difference between faith and fantasy in giving?
Faith in giving trusts God to respond according to His will without demanding a specific return, while fantasy presumes that a set gift will produce a multiplied or immediate in-kind payoff. Faith is not foolish; fantasy expects that giving $500 will yield $50,000, which Scripture does not teach.
Les explains that there is a fine line between faith and fantasy. By faith, a believer can do certain things and realize God will respond, but cannot be foolish. Fantasy says, “I’m going to give that ministry $500 because I feel God’s going to turn back and give me $50,000.” Les says that is what a lot of people think, but it will not work that way. He qualifies that giving does not have to immediately return in kind; God may instead spare potential expenses, such as an old car going another 50,000 miles or avoiding medical costs. Les calls that the payback and says to look at the big picture, not “if I give $100 will I get $500 back.” Verse 7 is the foundation for giving.