Pastor’s Column 7/21/2024

PASTOR’S COLUMN

“Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-3, NLT                                                                                                                            

“The Great Return of Generosity”      

Early in each year, the world’s wealthiest billionaires attend an annual retreat in Davos, Switzerland to attend an economic summit where they discuss the world’s most urgent problems. This meeting is by invitation only and one that most of us will never attend in our lifetimes. Many of these fortunate men and women have enough wealth to eliminate poverty and disease in many countries.Some of the attendees have been engaged in such efforts. The Apostle Paul spoke of a disposition toward fulfilling needs that does not require any of us being centi-billionaires. In addressing the Corinthian Christians who had become lax in their giving, Paul urged them to look no further than the churches in neighboring Macedonia – who demonstrated how a simple act, could make a difference in fulfilling needs. The offerings the Christians contributed to the church, were not dependent on an elite class of wealth people. The giving was motivated by a sense of joy for the Lord’s mission and work among them. That joy resulted in a spirit of generosity, which caused people to give what they could afford; but, to exceed giving beyond their primary contributions. Paul makes an important statement about how the spirit in which we give will cause us to do what is required, and far more of what is needed. As with the Christians in Macedonia, our giving should not be the result of pleading; but one that emerges from an inner peace about God’s goodness in our lives. When givingsincerely, little does become much in the hands of God. My paternal grandmother working in the 1920’s -30’s earned $5.00 a week. She was a godly woman who gave to her church weekly. By 1940 she had saved enough money to buy a small house. Joy motivated her!