Moses has a dilemma in
Exodus 36. God had instructed him to
request donation for the building of the Tabernacle. The Israelites responded wonderfully, “So
they came, both men and women. All who
were of a willing heart brought … , all sorts of gold objects, every man
dedicating an offering of gold to the Lord. Everyone who could make a
contribution … brought it as the LORD’s contribution.” (Exodus 35:22
& 24) They were so generous that eventually the craftsmen reported to
Moses, “The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the LORD has commanded us to do.” (36:5)
The people donated so
much that the leaders of the project had to tell them to stop.
Today it seems that churches
often operate from a stance of scarcity.
(Don’t worry, this is not going to turn into a diatribe on giving.) We hold back because, “we just don’t have the
funds.” I wonder though if it isn’t
funds that we’re lacking but a compelling vision of what God wants to
accomplish among us.
Before the Tabernacle was
built, there was no central place of worship for Israel; no place for His glory
to dwell in their midst. Their freewill
offerings flowed from the people’s faith, love for God, and gratitude for the
salvation God had won for them. If any
gave out of guilt, it isn’t mentioned here.
When the church is active
in mission, it seems that God provides what is needed. The church may not have endowment funds or
extensive funds in the bank, but it will have what it needs and will experience
God’s provision in remarkable (miraculous) ways.
I struggle with this as a
tension in my life as a pastor. On the
one hand, I like having money in the church’s bank account, and it makes sense
to use our God given financial skills to operate the best we can. On the other hand, it’s pretty easy to put
our trust in our savings, or the contributions, instead of trusting God to
provide. And that is kind of ironic,
because God often provides through the contribution of members. It’s a matter of keeping God first in the
equation that keeps us from idolatry.
I also wonder if we view
our giving at church as more of a maintenance issue than a Missional
opportunity. If giving is about paying
pastor’s salary, purchasing bulletins and communion wine, servicing the
mortgage and keeping the sanctuary lit and heated – all of which are good
things! – I think we’re missing out on a greater purpose.
Why do we Call and pay
pastors? So they can proclaim the Word
of God to us, administer the sacraments and pronounce God’s forgiveness upon
us! Why do we have bulletins and
communion wine? So that in worship we
proclaim God’s Word and give forgiveness to people (especially in
Communion!). Why do we need a building, electricity
and heat? We don’t. However, here in the Cleveland area, it sure
helps in the winter so that we can gather together to proclaim and hear God’s
Word.
All of this is about
God’s Mission. That’s what we give to
support; the proclamation of the Gospel.
Father in Heaven, thank you for my earthly
blessings. Help me to see that when I
give to you it is not just for earthly things, but for the sake of Your Mission
and Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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