First Fruits versus Leftovers
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever shows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.- 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NIV)
The poor economy and how it impacts people, organizations and our government has been weighing heavily on my mind. What is the right way to handle the economic crisis that is facing us? Who should be making sacrifices? What is fair to ask of people? The church is in a unique position in this economic crisis. Unlike businesses or families, the church does not generate income by selling it’s services. Unlike most non-profits it does not charge for its services. Unlike private clubs it does not charge membership fees or dues and unlike the government it cannot levy taxes. The church relies solely on donations. In challenging economic times we cannot be surprised when the church is also facing a reduction in donations. The irony in that is during the times when our giving is down, people need the church more than ever. Our recent church history shows that giving totals are down and the numbers of pledging units are down. Our church has made sincere efforts to cut back on our expenses, to reorganize our financial obligations and to make our dollars stretch in areas where they are needed the most. Of course there is no quick fix or easy answer, but during this period of Lent I’d like to ask each one of us to explore if we are doing as much as we can.
Why do we give? Because God has blessed us. Because we have been given the gift of grace through Christ. Because we are grateful. Because we are given the example of giving in scripture. Because we want to praise and glorify God. Because the Holy Spirit directs us to follow the example of Christ’s giving. Because we are called to help those less fortunate. Because we may have made a promise to God to give. There are many reasons to give but few mandates. In the Old Testament, people were clearly directed to give a tithe (or tenth) and to give of the first fruits or best. In the New Testament we are asked to give freely and generously (2 Cor. 9:7) to give based on what you have, not on what you don’t have (Luke 6:38), to give in the right spirit and attitude (Mark 12: 41-44), to give of what we are given so we can build up the church (Romans 12:4-8). As Methodists we are encouraged to tithe and taught the purpose of tithing is to teach us to always put God first in our lives.
Why do we hold back on our giving? Most of us will say because we have too many demands on our income. Are those demands self inflicted? Is it the high cost of living or the cost of living high? Are those demands the result of poor financial planning or judgment? Are you concerned the church is not using its gifts appropriately? Have you offered your help on church committees so that you can educate yourself on church finances? Are you limiting your giving because you think other people aren’t giving what they should? Although it is helpful to see that shared responsibility lightens the load for everyone, no one should give solely based on how they think they compare to others. Are you holding back on giving to the church because you are giving elsewhere? Are those gifts to truly benevolent groups? Are those gifts to our own family. Are you withholding giving because you haven’t been personally approached? Are you withholding giving because your gifts aren’t recognized? Whatever the reason, ask God to help you examine your motives. Are you giving out of your abundance or are you giving sacrificially? Are you giving of yourself as well as your resources? Are you being a wise steward of the gifts that have been entrusted to you? Are you sustaining the church or are you are on religious welfare? Are you practicing planned giving or are you giving from your leftovers.
Why should we make a planned pledge to the church? You will have the satisfaction of knowing you have committed to God from your first fruits, not your leftovers. You will have the satisfaction of knowing the church can count on you. You will be taking a step in faith and trusting God to provide you with the means and discipline to give a regular gift. You may be challenging yourself to do more than you thought you could—great accomplishments are not made when cowering in fear and uncertainty but when you challenge yourself to do more than you thought you could. Pledging gives you the joy of sharing in the rewards of your faith. Pledging enables you to put your money where your mouth is. It is a step to accountability with God. Don’t be misled in thinking you can buy your way into heaven or into God’s grace. But don’t be misled into thinking what we failed to give does not impact our very spirit and soul.
We have been blessed so abundantly. The church has blessed us so abundantly. Is my giving an accurate reflection of my gratitude to God?
Prayer Focus: For churches struggling with their budgets.
Prayer: Thank you Father for the abundance that we have been given. Thank you for the ministry of Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church in my life. Guide me to live in a spirit of thankfulness and to give you from my first fruits, not my leftovers.
Pat Deck
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