This week's sermon focused on a crucial concept: the Present Principle. It's easy to get caught up in the past – past financial mistakes or past successes – or to fixate on future hopes and dreams. But true stewardship, I believe, lies in wisely managing the resources we have right now.
We started with a seemingly simple question: how much ice cream is too much? The answer, of course, is that even good things, when taken to excess, can become detrimental. This isn't just about weight gain and health problems; it's a principle that applies to many areas of life. The example of YouTuber Luke Nichols, who stepped away from his incredibly successful channel due to the overwhelming pressures of fame, perfectly illustrates this point. Thirteen million subscribers in eighteen months is incredible, but even that level of success can become a burden.
Other examples include personal discipline, which can morph into perfectionism or legalism, and freedom, which can easily devolve into laziness and irresponsibility. The key isn't "balance," a term often misused and misunderstood, but wisdom. Wisdom helps us discern the appropriate level of engagement, preventing us from falling into excess. This wisdom is particularly crucial when it comes to finances.
This week's "Dollars and Cents" series focused on the Present Principle, which is the idea of focusing on what we have now rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. This ties directly into 1 Timothy 6:17-19, a passage Paul wrote to address the wealthy in the church. He cautions against haughtiness and reliance on riches, urging them instead to be generous, do good, and store up treasure in heaven.
It's important to understand the context. When Paul talks about "rich," he's not necessarily talking about the top 1% of today's society. Using tools like the wealth calculator on givingwhatwecan.org, we can see that many of us, even with relatively modest incomes, are in the top 10-20% globally. Owning a home, a car, even a smartphone – things many of us take for granted – represent a level of wealth unimaginable to much of the world.
This isn't about guilt or shame; it's about perspective. We need to learn from our past financial mistakes and successes, but not be defined by them. The rearview mirror should be smaller than the windshield; we need to look ahead, but not at the expense of present stewardship.
Paul's advice to the wealthy in 1 Timothy includes planning for the future, but this "future" extends beyond earthly investments. It includes storing up treasures in heaven, as Matthew 6 teaches. This isn't about neglecting earthly responsibilities; it's about recognizing that money is a tool, not a foundation. Our hope should be in God, not in our bank accounts.
This principle was further emphasized in our discussion of the "Who Will Inherit the Mess?" program, a workshop designed to help families plan for the future and avoid leaving a financial burden on their loved ones. It's not about investing or budgeting; it's about thoughtful planning that prevents government intervention and probate delays.
The core message is simple: be a good steward of what you have now. Give generously, use your skills and time to benefit others, and trust in God's provision. Don't dwell on past mistakes or future uncertainties; focus on the present moment. As Jim Elliot said, "Wherever you are, be all there." This applies to our finances, our relationships, and every aspect of our lives. Let us strive to live lives of present stewardship, trusting in God's grace and provision. And remember, Riverwood Church celebrates open communion for all followers of Jesus.
