Many would see today’s Holy Nougat as a relief; but I invite us to ponder just a little bit longer on the words;
“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”” 2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT
So this moves us away from tithing per se, to one principle behind giving back to God. We must give willingly. And this is honestly about anything we we offer, in particular our Time, our Talents and our Treasure.
Time
For many of us, tithing our time – whether our awake or asleep and awake hours – is not an option. We think it hard to give more than a rushed mumble between rising and going out the door, only perhaps remembering God during the day IF there is a crisis. Where is the joy of being in God’s presence? How do we spend those moments; litany of complaining and begging, or in joyful praise?
And what of our sabbath – whether Saturday or Sunday? Is there a genuine willingness to give joyfully to God, or are we preoccupied with the small things during the worship that truly has little ‘joy-giving’ value to pleasing God?
It’s not just how much time, it’s what we do in that time with God.
Talent(s)
Recently we spoke about doing all for God’s glory. And that is precisely what our gifting of talents is about – ‘whatever we do, in word or deed’. My dears, most congregations are burdened with finding volunteers to offer their services WILLINGLY to the life and ministry of the context. Why? Because many of us attend church (or maintain a visiting relationship) but are unwilling to go or do beyond attendance.
Giving back to God in our talents is what a colleague of mine (God rest his soul) referred to as ‘sweat equity’. For Pastor Barret, this came from the premise that one recognized the dearth of resources to offer, so one gifted one’s talents in whatever form – without boasting. It’s biblical – that’s how the temple was built; the best craftspeople were commissioned to service. Only the best was prepared for the Most High!
Have we done our best for the Lord?
Treasure
There is an old adage, ‘where our heart is, there also lies our treasure.’ (Yes, it’s biblical too!). So perhaps even more than the ‘what percentage do I give’; or the do I give on the gross or net?’ questions; there should be the ‘Where is My heart?’ question.
For when we know where our heart is – family, friends, material things, status, survival, television, employment/school … God – then we will find we pour all our resources: Time, Talent and (even fiscal) Treasure into it. Happily. Without a murmur.
So then, how honestly do we sing the hymn below? And to whom do we give our all?
