This week's sermon explored a surprising connection between my initial reluctance to join Facebook and the often-difficult topic of financial stewardship. It all started in 2006, when my pastor suggested I join the burgeoning social network to connect with young adults. While I initially resisted, the experience of reconnecting with people and the subsequent feelings of possessiveness over my Facebook profile sparked a deeper reflection. This possessiveness, I realized, mirrored a much larger issue: our tendency to cling to possessions and withhold our resources from God.
This led to the launch of our new sermon series, "Dollars and Cents," a journey into the often-avoided topic of finances and God's ownership. For five years, Riverwood Church intentionally avoided direct discussions about money, fearing misinterpretations. However, recognizing the significant emphasis Jesus placed on finances (approximately 15% of his teachings), we've since incorporated periodic series to address this crucial area of spiritual growth.
The core message revolves around the principle of ownership. Everything belongs to God; we are merely stewards, entrusted with resources to use for His glory. This isn't simply about tithing; it's about a heart posture of trust and gratitude. Psalm 50:7-15 powerfully illustrates this, rebuking the Israelites not for insufficient giving, but for reluctant giving. God doesn't need our offerings; He created everything. He desires our hearts, a willing surrender of what is already His.
Think of Denethor, the Steward of Gondor in Lord of the Rings. He diligently cared for his kingdom in the absence of the king. Similarly, we are called to manage our possessions, not as owners, but as stewards, using them to honor God.
Reluctant giving, driven by fear or distrust, reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of God's provision. It's foolish to cling to possessions we can't take with us. The opposite extreme – lavish spending on ourselves – is equally problematic, revealing a self-centeredness that hinders spiritual growth. Where our money goes reveals what we value most. Giving to ourselves is, in essence, self-worship.
Our church recently completed a capital campaign, allowing us to move from an elementary school to our own building. During my time as worship pastor, we faced significant financial hardship. Leanne and I felt a prompting to give an extra $100 each month, even though it felt like $10,000 at the time! There was a month we couldn't afford it, and the following month was incredibly difficult. Yet, we gave anyway, trusting God's provision. Miraculously, unexpected payments from clients covered our missed mortgage payment.
This experience, along with Malachi 3:8-10, underscores the importance of trusting God's promises. He calls us to test Him by giving as instructed, believing in His ability to provide.
Giving isn't merely a transaction; it's an act of thanksgiving. Malachi 3 speaks of a "sacrifice of thanksgiving," a costly action born from gratitude, not obligation. My initial giving was often driven by worry and doubt, but remembering God's past provision (like our missionary work in Venezuela) helped cultivate a heart of true thanksgiving.
For those who may lack such experiences, the Easter story – the cross, the empty tomb, the Gospel – stands as the ultimate demonstration of God's ability to provide, both spiritually and physically. God's provision for our spiritual needs is paramount, but He is also capable of meeting our physical needs.
The Christ-centered ownership principle calls us to view everything as belonging to God. Our time in Venezuela, living in the missionaries' home and caring for their dog, exemplified this principle. Their generosity profoundly blessed our family.
Let us pray for wisdom in using God-given resources to bless others, for open hands to trust Him with our homes, vehicles, and finances, and for the courage to give generously, reflecting the sacrifice of Jesus. Let us come to the communion table in remembrance of His sacrifice, even amidst our struggles, and live lives of generous stewardship.
