“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
Yesterday was the first service in which we did not gather for fellowship, for worship, and for the receiving of God’s Word. It was missed by many, but thankfully, God does not “live” in a church building.
I realized how much it was missed as I received a few questions about tithing – more specifically, “How can I continue to give my tithe?” For me, it enhanced the importance of giving in these troubled times. Our church still has its financial commitments. I was also reminded of this: in the last few weeks, I have received four letters thanking us for our financial support (Camp Jordan, Oceanview Christian Academy, Tri-County Pregnancy Care Centre, and the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada). These letters are a reminder that the church does a lot of good in the world, and when we exit out of this crisis, the world is going to need the church.
Imagine the thought of your church not helping others because this crisis has put your church in financial troubles. This would be a clear display to your community of your disobedience to God, for God calls us to give. We are to give both joyfully and abundantly. I know there are some who give only when they show up on a Sunday, a form of a cover charge for what they will receive on that day. But those rooted in the Word understand that giving is a covenant that each person makes with God – and is not based on what you receive each Sunday. You have already received the greatest gift imaginable, and none of us can outgive God! The financial commitments are far more than keeping the lights on. (If this is where your church is at, you seriously need to bring your future purpose to God, in prayer). Our commitments are in helping others in need, in ways that bring both justice to the world and the Gospel to each and every person we touch (as long as we stay six feet away – for now, at least).
Our commitments are in helping others in need, in ways that bring both justice to the world and the Gospel to each and every person we touch.
Our church has both global missions (Devines and Bustins) and local missions (neighbours & organizations listed above) that require our help. We have made commitments on paper, and we need a plan in order to honour them.
What can you do? You cannot go to a service to give your tithe. You cannot go to the treasurer to drop off your tithes. You cannot even mail your tithes [as we are not making deposits*]. Let me help you keep your commitment to God. Set up an offering plate, basket, bowl – or even a coffee cup – in your home. Start today. Take your offering from yesterday’s missed service and put it in. Do this each and every Sunday. When we finally get together, you can then bring this offering to the worship service.
“BUT,” you may say, “I don’t have anything in the house to put into the offering!”
[SOLUTION #1: E-Transfers may be sent to stonechurchoffice@gmail.com*]
SOLUTION #2: Write an IOU on a piece of paper with the amount of your commitment and put that piece of paper in. Once we meet again, you can keep that commitment. And, don’t just put in an IOU – make it a time of worship. Bring the whole family around. Pray for the incredible abundance we still have. Give thanks for our shelter, our food, our family, and our church. Pray that God will help you keep your commitment. Sing a song together. Giving is worshipping, so do what God has called you to do: give abundantly and joyfully. Imagine the blessings your church will be able to provide when we take up our next public offering, where the plates will be overflowing!
Now for your extra challenge: Once you have put in your regular commitment, make a decision to add another offering to benevolence. This is above and beyond and will go directly to helping those in need – now, and as they come out of this crisis. Our local people who have lost their jobs will need our help. Let us be known as the hands of the Christ, reaching out to help those in need. If you haven’t done so, talk to God right now and make a decision regarding your weekly giving – and honour it!
“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’” (2 Cor. 9:7)
[*This post was updated March 31, 2020.]