Presbyterian Stewardship Devotions: Money Matters

2 Corinthians 8:3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.

It’s Stewardship season in many churches across the country. Before the end of the year, congregations try to anticipate what their budget will be for the next year. In these tough economic times, it’s hard to estimate what people will actually give of their money. Time and talents are sometimes easier to share with the church rather than income and resources. Sadly, when people hold back or cut back on their giving, the work of the church is deeply affected.

The Macedonian Christians were not wealthy. They had limited finances in troubled times, but when their hearts were given to Christ and their lives were kindled by the Holy Spirit, they cheerfully wanted to give to the church, even beyond what was expected of them. When Paul writes about them, he does so with a great deal of pride and pleasure. The Macedonians were a great example to the rest of the young Mediterranean church. Their enthusiasm in giving acted as a wonderful motivator for other Christian communities to go all out and do more than their fair share of pledging and giving.

Today, we are all faced with the same exciting challenge. Christ’s work in the world is needed as much now as it ever has been. Our faith is connected to our finances and our beliefs are indicated by our bank books. If we feel insecure about our resources, then we may be also insincere about our faith. If we hold back our money, then what else are we holding back from God?

Cheerful, considerate, and generous giving can release us from our financial worries and money woes. In doing so, we show that we do not depend upon the dollar or pin our hopes to the pound; by giving honestly, sincerely, and cheerfully, we liberate ourselves from the chains and burdens that a love or obsession of money can trouble us with, and show our true devotion to the Lord.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, it’s so easy for us to get caught up in financial worries and cash concerns. Sometimes we live beyond our capacity to give. Sometimes we burden ourselves by borrowing more than we can afford. Teach us the biblical principles of money management and help us to release our resources to You and Your church. In Your Holy Name we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest night time drawing of Knoxville’s Sunsphere at the World’s Fair Park. A larger version of the drawing can be viewed at http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5095209018_cf3f00de0f_b.jpg

(John has a limited number (25) of signed and matted prints for sale)