We are giving away too little
The subject of money and stewardship produces dread, fear, or (at best) anxiety in many churches. But it doesn't need to be that way. How we handle our money is a reflection of our relationship with Christ; conversely, avoiding the discussion of how we use our resources can lead to anaemic Christianity.
For me, this begins with the understanding that everything we have belongs to God. It is our task is to look after it. If we do not understand this, Christian stewardship will hardly make sense.
In many ways, stewardship means answering the question, "What are you going to do with what you have?" Jesus' teaching in Mark 12 about the poor widow contributing "more to the treasury than anyone else," highlights the fact that we all have something to give.
And yet we make excuses. Even though our giving is deeply related to our Christian discipline and growth, our earthly treasure is often the last part of our lives to submit to Christ. Loosening the grip on our possessions can be one of the most freeing moments in our Christian journey.
Christian poet and novelist C.S. Lewis said, "The only rule is to give more than we can spare—if we live with the same level of affluence as non-believers who have our level of income, we are probably giving away too little."
I like to use the acronym LIFE to describe the generous stewardship of what God has given us. It reminds me that we can all contribute.
"L" stands for labour or time, perhaps the most precious gift we have been given to invest in mission.
"I" stands for influence, representing the opportunity we have to influence the lives of others. Everyone has someone they influence.
"F" stands for finances. St. Paul invites us to sow generously in 2 Corinthians 8. It's a natural thing for Christians to want to share with those in need.
"E" stands for expertise. Each person has something they are passionate about and able to do well. It's something that can be used to train and assist others.
We all have varying gifts and resources to give, but there is space for us all.
During the conflict in Kosovo, I interviewed a 10 year-old boy named Liridan who had fled with his parents from the conflict in neighbouring Albania. He and his family had sought shelter in a broken-down gymnasium with countless other refugee families. As our interview was concluding, I noticed that he was holding a small chocolate bar that had been distributed by a church group as an Easter present earlier that day. With a child's spontaneity, this little boy opened his hand, broke off a piece, and gave me some. It took me by surprise. I could only nod and express my appreciation.
It was a tangible picture of Paul's words in 2 Corinthians, "For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has—not according to what one does not have."
In the end, giving is a matter of spiritual growth. We must give at the pace to which God calls us. It's a personal matter between you and God and no one can make the decision for you. Where is God calling you to give today?
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