As we move into Lent we turn away from the Christmas crib and look to Jesus’ journey to the cross. It is a time of sacrifice, when we think of our own spiritual lives, give up some luxury, and take on something in devotion to our Lord.Here at St. Peters and All Saints we are also thinking of all God gives us, and how much we offer back to God through the Church. The term for this is Stewardship – and it encompasses everything we have been given – including ourselves, our gifts, talents, and time, and of course our money.
Firstly, a big thank you for all of you for your support over the years, especially during the long months without a vicar. The Church wouldn’t have been able to keep going without you — thank you.I know it’s never popular to talk about money in Church circles, it seems far too earthly and not at all spiritual. Surprisingly when you turn to the Bible they don’t have the same problem.
The Old Testament law is very open and precise about giving. Our God is the Lord of everything on earth, everything we have belongs to God and we are his stewards. So, whenever we receive anything the first thing we should do is to give, at least a tenth, back to God. This isn't narrow legalism, we are encouraged to give out of gratitude for God’s overwhelming generosity to us.
In the New Testament the emphasis is even more on the grace of God, that we receive so much from God that we don’t deserve – most importantly we are given salvation by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Our eyes are drawn away from ourselves, our possessions and money issues, to the cross. The last verse of the hymn ‘When I survey the wondrous cross’ comes to mind: “Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were an offering far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.”
I hope this Lententide, as we come to Stewardship Renewal Sunday, on the 25th March, we will all be moved to respond to God’s amazing love and generosity with this same spirit in mind.
Yours in Christ, Steve
No comments:
Post a Comment