I've shared before our rocky history--our bold move about a decade ago to hand our church over to God. His idea was to turn the place upside down. Our response was to hold on for dear life.
In practical terms, we've lived at the edge of our budget for three reasons: (1) we are joyfully filled to the brim with young families who are not in the prime of their wage-earning years, (2) our pastor takes community outreach to an unprecedented level, and (3) many people do not put God at the top of their to-do and to-give lists.
In spiritual terms, I can only guess that God, since he was given free reign, has been building a vast root system of love and sturdy and authentic that would someday spill over into the giving arena. Our church band plays at the local brewery, we are known for being a huge presence at community-wide activities, and we pop up in various, unexpected places to lend a hand and love on people. But clear indicators that God was at the top of members' to-do and to-give lists had been somewhat missing.
On Sunday, it seemed to me a tiny shoot from our God-laid root system broke through. Two comments especially, both from young people, captured my attention:
I don't understand why people don't give a percentage [of their income]. Even if you make five dollars a week, you can give a percentage.
When I give off the top of my paycheck, everything always works out. Last week I gave off the bottom [last on the to-pay list] and things didn't go as well.
I have watched years of congregational gravelly giving; that is, not cheerful, begrudging, resentful. If given, there was a desire to control it, gripe about it, hold onto it too tightly. I can't imagine how puny we looked to God.
On Sunday, the atmosphere was completely different. Somehow our hearts felt more together, our hands slightly more open, our understanding of how God sees giving just a little clearer.
Something resonated. It was a beautiful thing.
I hope it blessed God's heart. I hope he saw all of us just a little more tender toward his agenda and a little more willing to let him drive our to-do and to-give lists.
Thanks, Lord, for never giving up on us. Keep us growing, ever sturdier to extend your heart to this community.
Image: www.movemequotes.com.
Comments are welcome at feedyourstrength@gmail.com.
