Good things get lost in the shuffle. I've heard of kids being left behind because something or somebody arrested the attention of mom and dad. What caught their attention was not necessarily bad, it just got them sidetracked for a moment. That scenario doesn't happen often, but other examples of neglecting something because of distractions do. You know how busy like can get sometimes. Things that must get done keep getting added to our daily schedule and pretty soon something gets forgotten--something gets lost in the shuffle. But what is really, really, really important usually doesn't get overlooked (like eating, sleeping, Monday Night Football, etc.). So, what is most important goes to the top of our list. I want to challenge all of us to ask the question, "Where is giving on that list?"
I know that may be an odd question, and believe me writing about giving is kind of difficult for me because I don't want people to think of my pastoral ministry in terms of money. But I am not just talking about money. Giving is about everything in our discipleship: honoring God, serving others, packing shoe boxes for needy children, swinging a hammer in Blythewood, SC, picking up communion cups after the Lord's Supper (Who does that?), changing diapers in the nursery (Who wants to do that?), visiting a shut-in, the list is endless.
Giving must be a top priority for us because our whole life is about giving in one way or another. I don't think we wait to give. We don't compare our giving with what others are giving. Giving flows out of the biblical principle of stewardship. Stewardship sees God as the Creator and Owner of everything.
The earth is the LORD's and the fulness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. (Psalm 24:1-2)
When we speak about our things, we are talking out of ignorance, and these words relfect the values of the world. Everything we own will be left behind. Everything we have has been given on loan from God.
...What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? (1 Corinthians 4:7)
Because of this we ask God what and how He wants us to give. Where is giving on your list of "Things to Do"? Don't let giving get lost in the shuffle.
Grace & Peace,
Scott
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