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i was having lunch with logan this afternoon, and we were talking about how people (all of us to some degree) are held captive by money…the fear of losing jobs in a shrinking economy…the fear of having to adjust a lifestyle and do without…and the trickle-down effect that has on church life and ministry.
here’s a thought that just came to my mind: all of my life, i have heard people get frustrated with the church for asking for money…talking about finances…promoting financial campaigns…guilting people into an increased offering check…over emphasizing the importance of tithing…telling people that god’s blessing will be withheld if they withhold the money that belongs to god. you name it.
i’m probably one of those that stands near the head of the line at the church financial complaint department. but here’s the deal. people don’t want to be told by the church what to do with their money. i get it. but think about this…
we are told everyday what to do with our money…by the gas company…by the cable company…by the school district…by the band booster club…by our kid’s soccer team…by the credit card companies…by our favorite athletic teams…by the movie theaters…by the health club…by fashion designers…by doctor’s offices…by pretty much everybody.
and though we complain about rising prices and unfair trade and poor services, we still pay. yeah, it’s our choice to pay. we could turn off the cable or go without cell phones or tell our kids they can’t be in the band or on the team, or…or…or…
but we pay. why? because we want to. we think it’s worth it. we see how the investment will pay off in the end. it gives us happiness or health or contributes to our overall well-being. bottom line? we spend our money where we choose to spend our money.
and as much as we don’t like to be told by anyone how, where, when or how much, when it comes to our money, we listen. and then we pay.
so here’s my question. what is god saying to you about how you should be spending (allocating) your money? are you listening intently to what god is telling you through the word and by the holy spirit regarding your finances?
forget what the church is saying. forget what some shiny-haired, silver-tongued, tv preacher is saying about your money. what is god saying to you?
then do it.
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