Tuesday, April 15, 2025
“Pray About Stewardship to Your Church”
Since our dreaded tax day has arrived during Holy Week, it seems only fit to consider our stewardship to God’s Church. Are we doing what we can, or are we doing what we should?
The words “Should” and “Can” are important because there’s a big difference between the two. Some of us give what we are supposed to give to the Church, no matter what. That law, written on our hearts, is a spiritual discipline. It is strong, powerful, and useful. It’s very important and sets an example that others can recognize and understand.
Others of us give what we CAN to give to the Church. This is different from the above because it represents our capability and potential rather than an expectation. For example, the ideal in scripture is to give 10% of our income to the Church. Are we able to do that? If not, what can we give?
Then, there are those who always give what they “Should” give and then add on what they “Can” give. In other words, they’re always giving their 10%, but when more is available, they give more. When the additional is not available, they still give their 10%.
These above examples of what “Should” and “Can” give are important benchmarks. Less than 2% of church attendees give what they should. Much less give what they can. Shall I be more specific? The average church attendee gives $17 per week. For some of us, that’s a lot. Most of us, however, can easily do more. We can go to see a film in a theater for that same price (of course, refreshments cost much more). Maybe we consider a film to be more entertaining, but what can God do with that same amount?
Today’s Lenten Challenge is to spend some time with God regarding our giving to the Church. Whatever church you call “Home” is yours, but remember that each church also belongs to God. That’s why we say that we are giving to God when we give to the Church: It is both ours and God’s, something that God established for us to share together. I think that’s cool, but even better than that, it’s incredibly powerful.
Look at what God accomplishes for the world with $17 per week. I wonder…what would God accomplish if I increase that amount to what I should and can give?
“Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7, The Message)
