And now, brothers, 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. -2 Corinthians 8:1-4
As you know, we do not take up an offering at LifePoint during worship. This is not a common practice for most churches. When I was a boy, our parish church took up the collection the old-fashioned way. Very serious-looking men carried baskets with long handles and walked down the aisles each Sunday for the collection. You simply dropped your offering into the basket when it was waved under your nose. It was very convincing and decidedly difficult to ignore.
There are positives and negatives to the way we take up the offering at LifePoint. Here are a few of them. First, we do not make newcomers feel uncomfortable during an offering time. Second, it demonstrates that we do not place undue emphasis on finances. Finally, it does not interrupt the service, therefore we can use that time in different ways. Here is one negative, however. For some, it is “out of sight, out of mind.”
Stewardship is part of our worship. We worship God when we let go of some of our resources (both in time and money) as a way of demonstrating that we rely solely on him and not on our own efforts. We acknowledge him when we look outward rather than constantly inward. Consider the situation in Macedonia in the Apostle 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 demonstrating your appreciation, and to minister to others in need.
Please do not let the fact that we have chosen not to take up an offering each week allow you forget to be good stewards of all that God has given you. Learning to be good stewards of your finances and resources is part of the process of sanctification (becoming more like Jesus). We should not be those who raise one hand in praise to God while reserving the other to guard our wallet or purse. God demands every part of you, and everything you have ever owned belongs to him anyway (Psalm 24:1). This is not a plea to give to the church so we can get out of debt. LifePoint is taking care of all of its responsibilities, and we are debt free. It is a gentle reminder, however, that God calls us to be good stewards over all of his gifts to us, including our finances. The love of money has shipwrecked many faiths, and you do not have to possess wads of it to love it. You likely already know that it is not only wealthy people who hoard their treasures—it can be a temptation for the middle-class and impoverished as well.
On Sunday, October 3 we will wrap-up our annual Missions Emphasis with me asking you to give over and above your general giving to support missions through LifePoint in 2022. We call this our “Faith Promise.” I rarely make direct asks for your finances, but this is the time of the year in which I do. My hope is that you will respond well. By “respond well” I do not mean giving a considerable amount of your money. If you have the resources and feel compelled to share, do so. If you do not, you are under no direct obligation. I want you to respond well by considering the request without offense, and making a decision faithfully (and joyfully) before God.
If joyful giving is difficult for you, I heartily recommend Randy Alcorn’s book “The Treasure Principle.” It is a classic that can be read in about an hour…short, biblical, and life changing. Our lives do not consist in the abundance of our possessions, friends (Luke 12:15).
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jym