12 April 2008
Facing the Tension in Faith
Tension
There is always tension in our hearts when we are making a big financial decision. Even if the decision is what to give, we can feel conflicted over wishing we could give more than we have, or feeling like we don’t have what we have planned to give.
I’ve come to realize that the only way to completely remove the tension is to completely remove money from my thoughts. That’s neither possible, nor desirable. The truth is, the tension can be a time of faith.
Faith
Here is what I would say to the person who feels the tension in deciding what to give.
- Stay in faith. Trust God for His provision and keep obeying Him in your work and in good stewardship. Lose the guilt and stress over things you can’t control and remember that God loves you.
- Stay in fellowship. Don’t let the tension in your heart create tension in your relationship with the church. No one will know of your level of giving and there is no need to be embarrassed. Grace needs your presence, your prayers, and your participation in church life through service. Stay connected. We love you and we need you.
- Give something. If you feel like you can’t give anything, but you give something anyway, your faith will be stretched and you will grow. Jesus honored the gift of a few pennies from the woman who gave in faith and love.
- Don’t compare yourself with others. Giving is not about keeping up with others. It’s about doing what God calls you to do, from a heart of love and for His glory. The average and small gifts given by many are as needed as the large gifts given by a few. Remember, equal sacrifice, not equal gifts.
- Have joy in whatever God leads you to give. Your obedience will make a difference.
Everyone at Grace can face the tension in faith and participate in Future Grace. As we do, we’ll grow in faith, deepen our commitment to Grace, and know the joy of joining God in making disciples.
Pastor Scott
Category: Words from the Pastor.
