Living in the Spirit
June 28, 2018
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15
Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.
I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something—now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it. –2 Corinthians 8:7-11
This scripture strikes me as being akin to the quarterly report of one’s pledge, gently reminded us if we have fulfilled the obligation we had made at the beginning of the year. My church’s monthly finance report carries the percentage of offerings received to date. By policy, our pastors are not informed of people’s pledges or whether they meet them or not, so they cannot test the genuineness of their [congregants] love as Paul says he wants to do. The reminder letters are prepared by administrative staff and sent by the Chair of the Finance Committee. I have no problem with this accountability, although I always know if I am late with giving. My mother was a tither and fulfilling our family’s commitment was a high priority to her. Her commitment was to God not to the church. The church was simply the conduit of her gift. She worked equally hard at assuring that the church used God’s gifts wisely. Thus, the responsibility to support God’s work via the church is engrained in my DNA.
If we make a commitment to God, we need to fulfill the commitment, according to Paul. I concur with that also. It is thus important that we understand the commitments we make. At another church which my church helps support whose membership primarily includes people who are homeless or are in the first stages of moving out of homelessness. This congregation receives an offering each week and in the instructions, the pastor tells them, if they have no money to give they are invited to touch one of their hands on the inside of the plate as it passes. The movement acknowledges the gift of their life, their whole being to God. We probably all should include that in our rituals of giving.
Prayer: Lord, guide us in the wise use of our resources in your service, all our resources. Amen