Grateful Giving

Deuteronomy 14: 22-29 & 2 Corinthians 9: 6-10

Roger Lynn

November 11, 2018

Stewardship Commitment Sunday

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“Previously, in this sermon series. . .” If this were a television show, that’s how this sermon would begin. This is part two in a two-part series focusing on the theme of stewardship. So, it will be helpful to spend a moment reviewing what we covered in part one. To sum up in one sentence what it took me about ten minutes to say last week, “We have been abundantly blessed by God.” Well, OK, it’s not quite that simple. But almost. Recognition and celebration of the fact that we are the recipients of God’s abundant and ongoing grace forms the foundation upon which our stewardship responses are built. As I said last week, “I am convinced that in all matters of faith, and that includes stewardship, our actions are in response to the primary action of God. We are encouraged and empowered to give because we have first received.” So, hopefully, you have spent some time this week reflecting not merely on your finances, but on the “grace-full” nature of your living. 

Awareness of our bounty, however, is only the first step. In order for a gift to be fully appreciated, and, indeed, for it to be fully used, there must be some kind of response of gratitude on the part of the recipient. It is how we human beings are put together. Because we have been created in the image of God, we have, built into the core of our being, a need to give. I know that there are those for whom the whole business of stewardship is an uncomfortable subject. There are some pastors who avoid the topic, or try to soft-pedal it, or apologize when they absolutely can’t get out of it. There are some church members, or even outside critics, who complain that all the church ever does is ask for money. But I am here to tell you that I am neither uncomfortable nor ashamed about being a whole-hearted supporter of the idea of stewardship. It is important. Indeed, it is a vital aspect of faith. It is about so much more than just money – it is about giving ourselves away in grateful response to the God who fills our lives with abundant grace.

Even if it were only about raising money to support the budget of the church, I would be committed to the importance of stewardship. This congregation has an important role to play in our community and our world. We make a difference through the various ministries which we support. People are fed and sheltered and given self-worth and made whole because of what we do and the work that we support. Opportunities for worship and study and spiritual growth are made possible because of what we do. The good news of God’s love is proclaimed in our community and throughout the world because of what we do. And such efforts require funds to continue. If that was all stewardship was about – it would be important to support.

But there is more, because stewardship is about more than money. At it’s heart it is not a financial issue – it is a faith issue. It is about everything we do with everything we have. It is about the choices we make and the actions we take. It is about responding to God’s grace with an attitude of gratitude. Taking stewardship seriously is vital for our spiritual health. It need not be tedious or controversial. When we approach it from the right perspective it can be both exciting and fulfilling. The abundant gifts which God pours into our lives are most fully appreciated when we are able to be intentional about our response of gratitude. 

“Remember to enjoy life and give thanks to God!” That is part of the message of Deuteronomy. “And remember to include everyone in the party!” That is the other part of the message. When we practice stewardship as a part of our faith, we are woven together into a rich and vibrant tapestry with God shining through every fiber. And our experience within this colorful tapestry community is enhanced because we are actively participating in the work of the community. Faith is a participatory activity and stewardship is one of the central ways in which we become fully engaged.

“Trust in God’s extravagant abundance!” That is the message which Paul offers to the church at Corinth. When we risk giving away some of our resources from the top of the pile, we are opening ourselves to experience the ongoing support of God. There is always something else we could be doing with our money, or our time, or our energy. But when I look at my own budget, where the first line is set aside for my stewardship response, I am reminded again and again that trusting in God is a lesson worth learning and a practice worth committing ourselves to. Money is important, and it can accomplish a great many positive things. But ultimately stewardship is about deciding what is of central importance in our lives. What are the guiding priorities around which our lives are organized? Money is simply one of the ways we talk about these choices. Making the conscious and intentional choice to give away some of our money is really about bringing all of our life into focus. There are always needs within the church which are easier to address with money in the bank. Indeed, it would be a wonderful challenge if the Budget Committee had to figure out what to do with a sudden infusion of extra funds. But as exciting as that would be, the real importance of stewardship will be seen in the lives which are transformed (including our own) as we become more capable of responding to God’s grace through our grateful giving. How will you respond?