Simple living. Grateful giving.
Rather than focusing on the church’s need to receive your money, pray about your need to give joyfully from all that God has given you.
Financial stewardship is like any other act of devotion. We show our love for God by our commitment to pray, read the Bible, worship, and care for others. How you handle your finances is no different. If something matters to you, you devote yourself to it.
The most joyful and content people I know are the ones who either have less than I do, or who give away at least 10% of their income or wealth.
Laura and I are committed to giving away 10% of our annual income and are making progress toward that goal each year. And most of that “giving away” goes to support this church’s general budget. It is our way of showing our devotion for and obedience to God. I challenge you to have that goal as well. Try it and see what happens!
Financial stewardship campaigns are not opportunities for you to feel guilted into giving more money to the church. It is an opportunity to evaluate financial priorities, an opportunity to give first fruits rather than whatever is leftover. For me, it is a reminder that the world does not revolve around my desire for a new car or the latest iPhone. For me, it is a reminder that living with debt is a major barrier to simple living and grateful giving.
As you make your financial commitments to the church, “sing to the Lord of harvest a joyous song of love.”
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