The man entered the church office and pulled out his checkbook. He wrote a check for $10,000. He signed his name, handed the check to the pastor, then pulled a piece of yellow legal pad out of his shirt pocket. Together they reviewed the list.
I want $500 to go to the courtyard fund. I want $1000 to help pay for the organ repairs. $50 to the youth. $25 to Sunday school. $100 to the mission committee to feed elementary children. It took a long time for him to nickel and dime his check to the various "good causes" he had listed. Finally, the last dollar was spent, and he looked at the pastor. Now you are going to put what I am giving where I want it to go, aren't you?
She smiled and assured him his money would be credited as requested. Then she continued. "However, I don't think you've really given this money. You've bought some things here at the church. But you haven't given to God. Perhaps you should consider the difference. We here at the church will let you buy whatever you want. But perhaps God would rather you give."
The next time the man brought a check, he gave it to the work of God.
Are we generous givers, trusting that God will work out God's purposes with the resources we share with those to whom we are connected? For Presbyterians, that means our local congregations, our presbytery, and the General Assembly (which is just us local congregations who send representatives to discern the work of the Spirit at a larger level).
Are we giving? Are we attempting to buy our way with strings we attach to our money? Or, are we attempting to control the work of the Spirit by holding back our money until we get our own way?
Are we giving or buying...an interesting question.
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