Stewardship is . . . a Gospel Thing.

“The church only wants my money.” That is what some people, honestly, think about giving. It is unfortunate that they think that way, but sometimes it would appear that it is true that the church only wants our money. How often do we hear or talk about not having enough Bible Studies to go to? Or, not having enough opportunities to share the Gospel with others? Or, of not having enough opportunities for fellowshipping together? More often than not, what we hear is the complaint that everything costs too much. The church is spending too much money. Just like in a marriage where money can be a sticky issue, so in our church. Money seems to be a big topic, especially when there does not appear to be enough to make ends meet. Money, money, money, that is all that gets discussed.

Fortunately for us, God does not want our money. Why would He want it? Who are we to think that our little bit of anything is needed by God, as if He would need anything from us. Maybe we should clear this up and take the giving of First Fruits, Tithes, and Offerings out of the worship service. Maybe we should just put a box in the narthex and let the giving be done there.

What would we do if we did not have the opportunity to give during the worship service? The pastor is often accused of having only the offering on his mind. But what if the pastor forgets to take the offering? Then we get upset as well.

What would happen if, on any given Sunday, we were not given the opportunity to give? Would we take our offering and spend it? Would we bring it back next week (plus our next weeks offering)? What would we do? Maybe not being able to give would help us to understand what a privilege it is to give. God allows us to respond to all that He gives by letting us return some to Him. And He blesses what we return as well. To God be the glory.

46 of 52 © Rev. Ronald A. Bogs