Child of God: Start There
Over the last couple of weeks, we have all received letters challenging us, inspiring us. Those letters reminded us of what generous stewardship makes possible for our church.
Today, I want to discuss the other important necessary reminder that is part of being a good steward. Stewardship reminds each of us of who we are—that we are children of God.
Stewardship is not just a seasonable, financial program of the church. Rather it demonstrates what it means to live a Christ-like life.
Remember, when you make your pledge, you are not just paying your share of the church's expenses. You are making clear who you are—that you are a child of God. A child of God who is declaring yourself grateful for all the ways you are blessed by God. A child of God declaring yourself independent of the stranglehold of a money-worshipping world. A child of God now free from an identity defined and controlled by our possessions because we have chosen to put our treasures in heavenly places, for heavenly purposes.
So, when we remember that we are children of God, our stewardship is not just about being asked to handle our bounty on behalf of the church. Rather we are being asked to handle God's bounty on God's behalf. Scripture reminds us,"The earth is the Lord's, and the bounty thereof." [Psalm 24:1]
So, when we remember through our stewardship that we are children of God, what is the result of our generosity? Surely, it will be providing the resources necessary for a faithful, loving church. But consider this result also. The result of our generosity is the growth and development of an even more generous heart—the very heart of God created us to have.
Stewardship is about what we give, but it's also about who we are. So, I'm going to ask you to do something that may seem a little strange, but it shouldn't be. When you fill out your pledge card, the first thing you do is write your name. I am asking you when you write your name on that card, beside it, write, "Child of God." Look at your name and beside it, child of God. Consider it. Then I think you will know how much to give.