Money, Money, Money, Money

I've been sitting at the computer for a little while now, but have just now logged on to write. Maybe it's because I'm feeling a little lazy (rainy day, relaxing morning visiting with a friend, an unexpectedly free afternoon), but I have a feeling that it's probably because of the subject of this post: money. I'm not sure where this post will take me, but I expect it might generate some strong feelings/ responses. (Consider that your warning.) I don't intend to insult or condemn; I just want to share what's on my heart about this matter.

So why this topic? Well, the church shared its proposed budget for next year, along with a breakdown of the current one. This included the various ministries and future ones. Since it was the budget, it also alluded to member giving totals, and that's what shocked me: Within the past year (fiscal year?), only 41% of members has given to the church. That's it. Not even half of the total members has given. Whether or not this percentage gives regularly wasn't even mentioned, so it could be that some have only given a few times. Does this not bother anyone else?

This truth doesn't anger me so much as sadden me. Considering all that the church provides for us the congregation, as well as all that it does for the community, well, it just seems obvious that we as a congregation should do more in the way of giving.

Tithing is such a delicate topic, yet God commanded the Israelites to do so for a few reasons. One, so that the Levites, those in charge of the Temple, could be provided for. Since they were to devote themselves to running the Temple and spiritually guiding the people, they didn't have time to farm or work in other trades. The people took care of them. Two, through tithing, the people were reminded that God would provide. By giving a portion of their profits to the Levites, they had to live on less. By living on less, they could be reminded that God had given them enough. He provides. Third, it's one way of honoring God and all that He has done. Though God doesn't have any use for money like we do, we honor Him by giving to His servants. In effect, we're giving to Him by giving to others.

Although these reasons are compelling, I know that it's often difficult to part with our hard-earned cash. I know that I've struggled with giving at times now that we're down to one salary. I worry about whether the bills will get paid, or if we'll have enough for groceries. (Thankfully, I have a husband who is faithful in giving, and who doesn't worry about whether or not we'll have enough. And in the end, we always do.) Even in the midst of tighter times, God provides. That is the truth and the promise that I'm reminded of when I feel the temptation not to give joyfully. Even more important, God is in control-- not me. The moment I refuse to give to God and His service what is rightfully His, I deny His role as provider, protector, father, and God. It's an act of rebellion because I deny God's love for me, His creation.

Now don't think that I don't like money. After all, who doesn't? It does make life easier (or so it seems). After all, who doesn't enjoy buying a few new household items or a new outfit, or going out to dinner with the family? Saying "yes" to God means saying "no" to some of these items. That doesn't mean we have to deny ourselves these "perks" all the time; it simply means we shouldn't indulge in them all the time. That's relatively easy for me to say, especially since I'm not a shopper, but I do like nice things, and sometimes I do covet them, especially as I pass by various window displays at the mall, or even when I see how nicely dressed some of my friends are. I'm human; I can't help but experience these emotions.

Still, I have to remind myself that God commands us to be good stewards of all that He's blessed us with, which means that first and foremost, I should give back to God a portion of what He's given us.

Besides, when we give back to God, He can multiply those gifts for His glory. Look at all those who are touched by some of the outreach programs at church (the Easter egg hunt, trunk or treat). Or consider the service projects the youth have completed. Or note the work that our missionaries are doing day in and day out overseas (and compare that with all that we have here!). When we give back to God, we have the opportunity to partner with Him in making this place better. Shouldn't that be incentive enough?