WHO ARE YOU?
As we meet at our council meetings in 2022, one of the topics will be of course the finances of the congregation. The treasurer explains the giving habits of our members. Acknowledging that economic changes and the personal conditions that limit people in their giving at various points in their lives, we also conceded that there are those who give according to a commitment and those who give only when they attended. We examine how people give today. Some give by the old fashion way while others use the online method. Some give when they feel like it while others give in a planned way. At this point, you might think that this is an appeal for more money, but my concern is much deeper than the temporary finances of All Saints, it is about our relationship with God.
MEMBER VS. CUSTOMER
There is a difference between a member of the body of Christ and a customer who pays their dues for what they receive from an organization. One is part of a community focusing on who the Lord has made us in our baptism and the mission He has given us to share the new life that comes in a relationship with Jesus our Savior. The customer invests the minimal amount to receive the blessings that they think they want from God. The member gives all so that all people may know the gifts of grace that God freely gives. One pays for appetizers. The other gives in thanksgiving for the banquet that they have received through God’s love.
PRODUCER VS. CONSUMER
We as Christians are to produce fruits worthy of the change that the Lord has made in us. So often we ask what is this church doing for us when we should be doing what we have been called to do as disciples of Jesus Christ. In our culture and time, we have been fooled into thinking that we are in charge by the illusion that we make the decisions about what we want and don’t want. The ones who provide numerous choices still control what is provided. The Lord provides true freedom by giving us the one choice that we truly need. That choice is actively serving Jesus and Him alone.
MATTHEW 6:19-21
19Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
ETERNAL VS. TEMPORARY
True treasure is not found in the temporary things of this world, but in that which will survive for eternity. The Lord does not want your money or possessions or whatever is considered precious in this world. He wants the only precious thing in His eye: YOU! We expect to spend eternity with Him, yet we are still burdened by our hearts belonging somewhere else. If our hearts only belong to Him for an occasional hour of worship, then they really don’t belong to him at all. Are you a member or customer? Are you a producer or consumer? Is your heart set on the eternal or temporary? Who are you really?
Pastor Baker