Today’s readings: Judges 9:7-21 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-12
2 Corinthians 8:7 But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in
knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you
also excel in this grace of giving.
We've
just completed a new stewardship campaign at our church called Consecration
Sunday. A lot of hours, effort, and focus were put in by members of the
Stewardship Team, along with prayers and presentations. It was a very upbeat
method of helping the members of the congregation to think about not just what
they give, but also how and why they give. I think most of the good folks
bought into the aspect of honoring God with their financial commitment. There
were no guilt trips or undue pressure put upon the people, so we’ll find out if
this approach has worked in the weeks to come.
Most
pastors, like myself, worry about giving, especially in uncertain economic
times. Added to the burden is the sad fact that folks are beginning to adopt a laissez-faire
attitude to church all across society. People say that they are spiritual and
thankful to God, but it sometimes does not manifest itself into regular worship
and giving. Taking God for granted has always been a part of the human
condition; these days it appears as though more people are majoring in self and
minoring in God, forgetting that we live as creatures in His Creation.
Giving
money, giving our time, and giving our hearts to God shows others that our
faith is actually real. Being a Christian is the hardest faith on the planet
because it requires commitment, devotion, and loyalty to Christ above
everything else. As human beings, we all have skills, pursuits, activities, and
gifts that we excel in; the tough question that we should be asking ourselves
this morning is this: do we also excel in giving?
Questions for personal
reflection
What do I give to Christ through the church? Am I excelling
in giving?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the greatest
gift in the history of the world. For our sake, You left the riches of Heaven
and became part of a poor refugee family on Earth. For our sake, You gave
everything that You had, including Your precious life, on the Cross at Calvary.
Without Your gift, we would be cut off from God forever. By Your blood, Your
Church was established to continue Your mission on Earth. Challenge us today,
so that we may cheerfully, faithfully, and exceedingly give to You. In Your
Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the
pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like
to make a comment or ask a question about today’s message, please send him an
email to traqair@aol.com.
Today’s drawing is one
of John’s latest Nativity images called “Bethlehem Lullaby.” If you would like
to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7459/10916628304_9c9bf3f08f_b.jpg
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