What a glorious Kirkin’ Sunday we enjoyed! I do hope you were able to be with us for the beautiful weather, the “pipes,” the procession, the voting and welcome of our incoming elders and deacons, and a wonderful lunch afterward. One long-term member texted me afterward that it was the best Kirkin’ that he could remember. It was certainly wonderful from where I sat!
Part of our congregational meeting included the kickoff of our annual stewardship campaign. Kyle and Rosemary Beall provided a humorous but significant launch to this important part of our life together. As we worship together this November, Jesus in the Gospel of Luke will provide insight to our life with him as overseer of the financial resources we’ve been given. I recognize that each of us are at different places in our thinking and our experience of giving to the Lord’s work in this way. Consider where you are, and how Jesus’ teaching can lead you one step further in your trust and financial discipleship.
Beginning. Luke 8:1–3 show the disciples, which include several women, starting their direct involvement of helping by doing so financially. The first step of giving is often the most difficult. Jesus welcomes and appreciates financial gifts of all sizes, as they demonstrate trust in his provision (Mark 12:41–44). If you’ve never taken the step of planned giving to FPC’s work before, pray about doing so for 2027.
Intermediate. If giving has been a part of your discipleship for awhile, you may have experienced both the joy that comes from seeing God work as you give, but also the temptation to worry that what you’ve promised will be too extravagant or difficult to do without. Jesus describes money as having a spiritual power similar to a rival god (“Mammon,” Luke 16:9, 13). If we are blind to this, we can give into serving it (Luke 12:13–21). Yet if we submit Mammon’s power to the lordship of Jesus Christ, we find real freedom (Luke 19:1–10).
Advanced. Many Christians know that the standard of financial giving in the Old Testament is 10% of our income; the tithe (Leviticus 27:30–31). Yet this word is not used in the New Testament. Rather, Paul calls the Corinthians to be “cheerful givers” (2 Corinthians 9:6–14). Is there a standard for giving in light of the new covenant? As people who are saved by grace through faith, I would say, “not necessarily.” Duty is not the motivator; love is. Christ gave sacrificially for our eternal benefit (2 Corinthians 8:9). Here is one question among others to consider, “what financial amount would represent a change of lifestyle for me, a gift of gratitude that will move my heart?” Jesus’ encouragement is, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34).
Wherever you are in your journey of faith with Jesus, money can be a practical and exciting way to measure it. This may be why Jesus talks about it so often! I am praying that the Lord will encourage us in light of his goodness to walk together in this way, wherever we find ourselves, as stewards of this gift.
I am grateful to be your pastor in this season, and look forward to all the Lord has in store for our family of faith.
