Last month we focused on a crucial stewardship principle: GOD OWNS IT ALL. Now we turn to a second and resulting principle: WE ARE STEWARDS, NOT OWNERS.
Take a moment and reflect on Matthew 25:14-30.
This is a familiar parable, but how often do we allow it to mold how we manage our lives, our possessions, or our checkbook? Do you seek God in prayer before making a major purchase? Do you put aside God's portion (defined in another column) before using our "discretionary funds."
If God owns it all, why do refer to it as "my income, my money, or my gift to the church or mission?" If all is God's (and we cannot take anything with us to our final destination) then why do we grasp it so tightly and amass fortunes for our future? If it is all God's, then why don't we seek His wisdom when we are about to use His resources for a particular purpose?
As I move closer to retirement age, financial people are asking me, "Do you have enough saved for retirement?" In my best moments I respond, "How much is enough?" That question has been the guiding standard of my use of all the blessings God has placed in my care ever since I heard Ron Blue ask it in his seminar, "Master Your Money" (still a good resource). If we don't answer this question prayerfully and with the guidance of the Master then I suggest we will never have enough, either to live daily or retire ultimately.
Somehow our culture has taught us that we are to be like the rich man in Luke 12:13-21. We are to amass our fortunes, in hopes of one day being able to "eat, drink, and be merry." Is that the purpose for which our Master has provided treasure? I think not. What of the building of trust that comes from seeing how He provides the needs of our lives (not necessarily the extravagant desires of our minds)? What about the thrill of giving and seeing lives changed as we are allowed to participate in vast mission and ministry with resources He has provided beyond our essential living needs? What about the relationship and trust that grow as we see Him respond to our faithful giving with the provisions of more resources (try out-giving God)?
The greatest reflection of our faith in God, of the relationship of trusting the Father we are to have as citizens of the kingdom is our management of the resources He has entrusted to us. Jesus spends more time teaching about the use of possessions than about faith or prayer. So why do we in the church hesitate to discuss stewardship, giving, or whether a tithe (10%) is enough to give (maybe He wants us to give more)?
Today Christians give an average of 2-3% of their income to charities (not merely their church). About 30%-50% of members and regular church attendees do not give - ever. Yet statistics tell us that we become indebted to banks for about 40% of monthly income. Rather than delay purchases the average American becomes indebted to credit card companies to the amount of $8,000 - $12,000, with little plan for repayment. Then we tell God we have little left over to share with the ministry and mission He seeks to accomplish.
God will not make you do anything with His money. Yet he is constantly reaching out to us, providing opportunities to trust Him and help transform others through the use of His funds. Before you make those next purchases, perhaps it is time to seek His guidance in prayer.
Is the chance to know the joy of generous giving and the thrill of participating in transformed lives through our upcoming SHARE HIS VISION opportunity in the coming months something to consider? Perhaps a new disciple is more crucial that that daily Starbucks (or Dunkin Donuts) coffee. Perhaps a pastor renewed, a call to stand by a brother or sister in Christ who needs care in the midst of crisis, is more important than the new jet ski. Perhaps a congregation energized for Christ is your chance to participate in the building of His kingdom rather than the new car with little value in five years.
What is God asking you to do with His money? Isn't it time we sought His answer in prayer?
Loring Carpenter,
Steering Committee Chair
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