I heard about a man who called a Venetian-blind repairman to come pick up a faulty blind.  The next morning, while the family was seated at the breakfast table, the doorbell rang.  The man's wife went to the door, opened it, and the man outside said, "I'm here for the Venetian blind."  Leaving the man standing in the doorway, the wife went to the kitchen, fished around for a dollar from the food money, returned to the door and pressed it into the repairman's hand.  Then she closed the door and returned to the kitchen.

 

The wife poured herself a cup of coffee and as she sat down at the breakfast table, she explained, "Somebody collecting."

 

Well, it may seem like there is always somebody collecting for something.  It may be at retail stores you frequent, the business where you work, some neighborhood kids knocking on your door, organizations to which you belong, recreational teams in your community, school organizations, phone calls from charitable causes, television commercials regarding the latest disaster, and ,yes, even church.  We never lack in opportunities to give financial support to something.  

 

Even for those among us who believe in being generous, this can seem a bit much for us.  Yes, I try to say "yes" but at times I have said "no".  Recently I was in a hurry and as I paid in the express line of a grocery store the clerk asked if I would like to give to some cause.  Frankly, I declined and quickly said "I gave at the office" (which is correct since for me it is the church).  But after I said it I wasn't particularly proud of it.  Then, to make matters worse, as I turned to walk out, I heard someone holler, "Hey, Pastor Ron!"  Embarrassing!  Oh well.

 

It gets down to this for you and me.  We have got to make choices as to how we will give.  Though I give to charitable causes and community services, still my first priority outside the care of my family is in support of the Lord's ministry.  I have always believed and practiced tithing.  My commitment is also to give generously and sacrificially in support of missions' offerings and special church offerings such as our present (hugely important)Worship Center Remodeling Offering.  I may not respond to every invitation of someone collecting, but I am sure going to answer these calls for support.  As it concerns giving, these are my priorities. 

 

The Apostle Paul called for the Corinthian church's financial support in a particular special offering saying:

 

"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each man should give, what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.   And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

 

I ask of you for only that which God expects of you: generous and cheerful giving!  May we prove faithful! 

 

Blessings,

Pastor Ron

 

P.S. Click here (www.fbcpompano.org) for information on the Remodeling of the Worship Center.