21 April 2008
Reflection on Principles in Giving Panel Discussion
Grace has asked church members to give an account of participating in the Future Grace Phase 2 Campaign. In this edition, Elaine Atchison reflects on yesterday’s Principles in Giving Panel Discussion.
by Elaine Atchison
For me, the thought of going to a talk on finances is kind of like going to the dentist—you know you need to go, but just the thought of it evokes pain. I don’t know why I’m so resistant to talking about how I should spend and save and give–Americans may call it rugged individualism, but I think the Bible calls it something else. I say that I want God’s word to inform every area of my life–but this scripture-saturated discussion definitely notified me about some issues I need to address . . . it also made me realize with anticipation that God is actively at work in my heart.
Four years ago, David and I were asking God questions like: How can we significantly support the work of the church we dearly love? How can we fulfill a three-year pledge when we have three in college? What is the difference between faith and presumption? As we talked and prayed through the process, we came together on a decision that would stretch us to make sacrifices and depend on God. Afterward, we were able to move forward with genuine peace and joy. Until today, I had almost forgotten that we not only completed our pledge about six months early, but enjoyed unusual provision during those three years. It struck me, maybe we didn’t pledge enough!
Even before today’s gathering, I could sense that God is asking me to respond to some different questions this time—including some challenges from the panel’s straightforward, practical instruction: What do my financial decisions reveal about what is valuable to me now and later? Am I really content with God and His provision for me? Why do I need more than I have now? Should I be asking how much money I should give, or how much I should keep for myself? I am realizing that my desire to give to the cause of making disciples is great, but my desire to give up is being sorely tested.
Finally, I think it was the Caramel Macchiato research that threw me over the edge (you really need to come to these gatherings so you don’t miss anything). In that moment Jesus whispered, “Pay attention! This has nothing to do with Starbucks.” I think it’s starting to come together now . . . yesterday’s FG2 devotional from Luke 6: “Give to everyone who asks” (Oswald Chambers always added, “God will take care of who asks”) . . . today’s Sunday school lesson from Genesis 22–the first mention of “love”, “obedience” and “worship” in the Bible . . . today’s sermon on “The Disciple’s Heart”: Jesus wants to move deeper into my heart and broader in the context of other people.
I must set aside some concentrated time this week to consider how the choices I am making every day can impact ministry in the world—today’s meeting, like change, was painful, but as A.W. Tozer said, “If God sets out to make you an unusual Christian He is not likely to be as gentle as He is usually pictured by the popular teachers.”
Category: Event Summaries.
