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Stewardship The Christian's Stewardship Journey You will be receiving this issue of The Apostle as you prayerfully consider your pledge for 2004. As you make this determination, let me share with you the journey on which scripture leads us. I believe, that for most of us, Stewardship is, indeed, a journey which is never really completed. What are some of the key landmarks on this journey? Well, first, we come to realize that it is God’s nature to give. We really need to look no further than John 3:16: “For God so loved the World that he gave his one and only son...........”[click here for full passage] What greater gift can one give? God has always been magnificently generous to humankind, first, in our creation and then in sending Jesus to us. Secondly, God gives to us so that we are able to be givers also. Genesis 1:27 [click here for passage] tells us that we are created in God’s image. This means we are created to be givers. Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians proposes to believers that God provides abundantly so that we may cheerfully share abundantly. By giving generously we grow and are enriched, which is an additional gift given to us by God. Thirdly, we are called to a life of commitment. I urge you to read 2nd Corinthians 1-13 [click here for passage] which explores the biblical concept of a steward, a person made in God’s image to be a giver and a manager of resources that belong ultimately to God. God’s gift of grace enables us to give beyond our means when we first give ourselves to God. We need to continually remind ourselves that our possessions are gifts from God, not the result of our own power or work. Scripture suggests that sharing wealth is a way to practice justice, mercy and faith. When we hoard money or use it wrongfully, some of God’s people suffer. Just reflect on how our gifts to St. Philip’s are used in the service of God. Fourthly, the Bible gives us direction about how much to give. Leviticus 27:30 points out that tithes are holy to the Lord. Freewill offerings given, in addition to tithes please God (Deuteronomy 12:6). And, “first fruits” giving, not leftover money, is what God expects (see Deuteronomy 18:4).[click here for all three passages] By cheerfully committing a given percentage of our “first fruits” (committing to God first) and setting a goal to meet or exceed the tithe we are really reminding ourselves that life without unselfish giving is life without meaning and purpose. Your Clergy and Vestry have led the way on this journey - we urge you to join us with your generous pledge. Click here for last month's steawardship message New International Version Bible passage links from BibleGateway.com |
