Always Talking about Giving?

This past week I was delighted to receive an e-mail from a middle school member who wanted to know why we always are talking about giving at the church. She would rather hear the Word of God than about giving.

My first thought was how great it was for a middle schooler to be e-mailing the pastor, asking for more focus on God's Word. Bravo.

But then I dissected the e-mail a bit more. "Always." Are we really "always" talking about giving? Right now we are in October with our emphasis on stewardship but we intentionally backed off talking about giving from January into well into the summer. In fact, I received e-mails at that time wondering why we weren't talking more about the Masters Plan!

I can't win, can I?

So we really don't "always" talk about giving but let me add this. When we do, we are still focusing on the Word of God. In fact, there are 2350 verses in scripture dealing with money, possessions and giving. That's more than prayer or faith or grace. Jesus spoke about money and possessions more than any other single subject. Why? Because money has the greatest potential of stealing our heart away from God as our ultimate concern. It can quickly become that idol that we worship and trust.

Talking about giving has less to do with fund raising and more to do with discipleship. It's about living out what is printed on our coins--"In God We Trust." I need to give. It redirects my heart to focus on God. It teaches me obedience to God's word. But most importantly, it reveals a grateful heart for all that God has first given me.

We don't always talk about giving, but this week we certainly will because we are asking you to bring your pledge cards to church and place it on the altar in trust, in obedience and in thanksgiving.

After all, it is the Word of God!

Peace,
Pastor Scott