| Give With A Cheerful Heart It is the single source of strife in every relationship. A newlywed’s first argument is often about money. Our national discourse these days is weighed heavily around money. In churches around the world, money is a necessary evil and a cause of anguish. But in all these scenarios, discussion is necessary for their survival. We are all aware of the needs we face as the Resurrection family. We are all looking forward to the sale of church property (and the need for the sale), excited about finding a new home, and hopeful for a dynamic and growing future. I don’t fear the unknown. I’m excited about the possibilities. But in order to get to that future, we need to ensure that we can continue as we are and have a financial foundation to build on. A lot of folks are looking forward to the financial windfall we will realize from the sale of our property. We all need to understand that we will not be spending all that money. A large portion will be used to purchase and remodel our new home. The remainder will be invested to provide a financial base for the future of Resurrection. So how do we maintain an operating budget? Through other sources of income—rental of our spaces and, you named it, tithing. The Old Testament is pretty strident on the subject. Proverbs 3:9-10 tells us: “9 Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” [NIV] Leviticus outlines tithing as a commandment and in 27:30 states: “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” [NIV] And Deuteronomy 14:28-29 states: “28 At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, 29 so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the foreigners, the fatherless, and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.” [NIV] In the New Testament, while tithing isn’t explicitly mandated as a commandment, there’s a strong emphasis on giving generously and according to one’s means, often referred to as “cheerful giving.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul tells us: “6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” [NIV] He also makes a recommendation on how to prepare your gifts in 1 Corinthians 16:2, telling us: “2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” [NIV] In the end, our church family needs our support as much as our immediate family, for without it, both wither and die. I know everyone got tired of hearing the financial lament and “ask” in the past. Unfortunately, not talking about money hasn’t fostered its appearance in our offering plates. Each of us needs to search our hearts. Resurrection is a home worth supporting, fostering, and helping to grow. Each of us has a small part to play. Mark 12:41-44 “41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.’” [NIV] As we continue our journey together, keep the concept of tithes close to your heart. Use these biblical verses strengthen your resolve. Our foundational strength depends on your generosity and faith in knowing that your gifts are our legacy. Yours truly, with a giving heart, |
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| Bill Russell Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church Board Member Treasurer |
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