Christian Stewardship

The idea of Christian Stewardship brings all sorts of questions for members of the Church. We’re always trying to figure just how little we can offer to the Church within “the rules” so our spending on gadgets and luxuries is not hindered. We know our Church has bills to pay, and we would prefer the doors remain open to the Church. We speak about projects we know are needed and still we don’t give as we should. When all else fails, we question the money management of the council when our $250 each year isn’t enough. It was enough in 1975, but we can’t figure out why it isn’t enough today. Consider today’s Epistle Reading:

St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 15:58; 16:1-3 (RSV) - BRETHREN, be  steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. Now concerning the contribution for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that contributions need not be made when I come. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.

These verses should, if our heart is open to hear the Word of God, comfort us and inspire us to bring our stewardship offerings to the Church without hesitation.

• Our work for the Church is never in vain
• We should bring our offerings now for future needs
• Our offerings should reflect our prosperity
• It is good to have people we trust in charge of our offerings

You will notice that St Paul reminds us that we have been “directed” to bring our offerings, and that our offerings are not for our benefit but for the benefit of the work of the Church no matter where or when that need may be. Just something to think about.