Stewardship is . . . Giving Out of Wealth.

Paul writes about the Macedonians to the Corinthians, “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints” (1 Cor. 8:2-4).

Would, or could Paul write those same words about us today? Does our “poverty well up in rich generosity,” or does our wealth well up in extreme selfishness? Do we give what we are able and even beyond, or do we distrust that God will provide for all our wants so that we must continually save more and more to satisfy our wants (notice, not our needs, but our wants)? Do we “plead for the privilege of sharing,” or do we get angry when we are told our giving shows our selfishness?

It is a sad truth, but a truth none the less, that if all Missouri Synod Lutherans went on welfare and tithed, the giving in our church body would go up (Source: Lutheran Witness).

Our Lord gave first. He gave His all. He gave the gift of the life of His one and only Son. He gave His Son over to the cruellest of deaths for us in our place. He gave, He continues to give, and He will give even more.

We are the wealthiest of people. We have faith, forgiveness, life and eternal salvation. We have all our needs supplied. And we have many of our wants supplied. May our prayer be that the Lord would stir in us so that we too will plead for the privilege of sharing our riches (including our riches of faith) with others. To God be the glory.

51 of 52 © Rev. Ronald A. Bogs