Generous Churches

Excellent 90 second video on generosity and giving in the church.

Stewardship Thought for the Week

“Then someone called from the crowd, ‘Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.’ Jesus replied, 'Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?’ Then he said, ‘Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.’ Then he told them a story: ‘A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops. Then he said, I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry! But God said to him, You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you have worked for?' Yes a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” (Luke 12:13-21, NLT)

How can a person become rich toward God? First, it is important that we learn to evaluate everything as a gift from God (cf. James 1:17). This reminds us that we are not self made or even “lucky.” We are blessed with blessings that come from the hand of God. Next, seek God’s direction before settling on a decision. This reminds us that we are not our own and that Jesus is Lord and master of all things. Finally, care more about giving than you do about getting. This reminds us that life is not about us. God has placed us here to be part of a bigger picture. We are blessed to be a blessing to others, not because we’re deserving.

Who Tithes These Days?

Interesting research from the Jesus Creed blog by Scot McKnight. Check out his post titled
Who Tithes These Days?

Investing in the Kingdom

This past weekend I concluded our summer series on the Kingdom of God. The lesson was based on the parable found in Luke 19:11ff concerning the ten minas. I concluded with describing three attitudes that people have concerning God and their resources.

The first attitude is that of the consumer. The consumer says "what's God's is mine and I'm going to take it." The consumer does not believe that he or she is accountable to God for either their life or their resources.

The next attitude is that of the saver. The saver says "what's mine is mine and I'm going to keep it." In other words, everyone needs to just take care of themselves. Savers do not see their lives in light of the bigger picture of the Kingdom.

The final attitude is that of the giver. The giver says "what's mine is God's and he can have it." The giver understands that their role in life is that of a steward. God is the owner of everything and the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). The fundamental issue of stewardship is ownership, and the fundamental issue of ownership is Lordship.

The two compelling questions from the parable are (1) What has God given to you? and (2) What are you doing with what God has given to you? The blessings, skills, talents, and resources God bestows are ways in which God informs our role in the Kingdom of God. As my friend always says, keep inventory of your blessings from God so you know what God expects of you. My prayer is that you will live life as more than a giver...that you will live your life as one who invests all in the present Kingdom of God.