And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. - II Corinthians 8:1-4
As you know, we do not take up an offering at LifePoint during worship. Although such a practice is not unheard of in churches, it is still not the norm. When I was a boy, our parish church took up the collection the old-fashioned way. Very serious and scary looking men carried baskets with long handles and walked down the aisles each Sunday for the collection. When they put the basket under your nose, it was understood that now would be a good time to let loose of your giving envelope. It was very convincing.
As with most practices, there are some positives and negatives to the way we take up the offering at LifePoint. One positive is that we do not make newcomers feel uncomfortable during an offering time. Another is that we do not place undue emphasis on money, and passing a basket during worship does not interrupt the flow of our service. There is, however, at least one serious negative: for too many it becomes “out of sight, out of mind.” Stewardship is part of our worship. One of the ways in which we worship God is by giving him thanks for the grace he has extended to us. Look what happened in Macedonia in Paul’s time. Out of a time of severe suffering and trial the churches in Macedonia (modern Greece/Albania) begged Paul for the privilege of sharing God’s grace with other believers who were also suffering financially. It is an act of worship to trust God completely with your finances and to give as a way of saying “thank you.”
Do not let the fact that we have chosen not to take up an offering each week let you off the hook so that you carelessly forget to be good stewards of all that God has given you. Learning to be good stewards of your resources is part of the process of sanctification (becoming more like Jesus), so do not raise one hand in praise to God and save one hand to guard your wallet or purse. God wants all of you — and everything you have ever “owned” in life belongs to him (Psalm 24:1).
This is not a plea to give to the church so we can get out of debt. It is not even a hint. LifePoint is taking care of all of its responsibilities. It is a gentle reminder, however, that God calls us to be good stewards of all of his gifts to us, including our finances. The love of money shipwrecks many a faith, and you do not have to have a lot of money to love it. It isn’t only wealthy people who hoard their treasures; it can be a temptation for all of us. If your finances are problematic for you, I heartily recommend Randy Alcorn’s book The Treasure Principle. A classic that can be read in about an hour…short, biblical, and transforming. We have a few copies available in our LifePoint library.
Remember, our lives do not consist in the abundance of our possessions (Luke 12:15). Know (or learn) the freedom that comes hand in hand with generosity and living with less than you can afford. This is an area of strength for our LifePoint family. In the nine plus years that I have been at LifePoint, we have found ourselves in the black at the end of every year. That is a good track record that I do not take credit for; I give credit where it is due — to those who make LifePoint their church home and share accordingly. In fact, a few months ago, the church family was provided the opportunity to give in the Bottles For Babies offering for Life Centers in Indiana, and you all responded generously by giving over $4,300. That’s essentially change from our change jars, but it impacts so many lives!
I am pleased to be a part of a generous church family. God has been good and generous to us; I am glad that you are responding in kind.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jym