"Mind your own bidness". I heard that one time from a close friend in a church. The pastor had just finished preaching about stewardship and tithing. This friend's comment was that the church ought to not say anything about his money because the church had no business in talking about something so personal. I thought about that comment today at Hillcrest as we listened to Rod Wiltrout share the incredible truths about Biblical stewardship on Sunday. He looked at the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, which reminded us that God owns it all and we are just the slaves. We are to manage His resources in a way that brings a profit to the Kingdom.
Oops, I said the word "profit". That's probably going to get me in hot water with some people who think the church should not focus on profit and loss. If we don't focus on profit and loss, we neglect to focus on Jesus. Remember, Jesus said, "What does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul." Egad, Jesus talked about profit and loss. Jesus also told us to count the cost before we follow Him. He talked to His disciples about the least being the greatest in His Kingdom. He reminds us throughout His Word that there is a profit we can take from this world and a loss. In 2 Corinthians 5:10, we are reminded that followers of Jesus will give an account of all they have done with the life God has given them.
I'm not saying all these things to scare you or make you feel threatened. But we need to understand that our stewardship affects eternity. Yes, part of that is the tithing of money - Giving a minimum of 10% to the Lord's work. By giving to your local church, you enable them to follow through on the command Jesus gave to make disciples of all nations. If you feel your church isn't utilizing those resources properly then get involved and serve on the stewardship team so you can help make those decisions. Rod told us about a bumper sticker he saw once that said, "If you love Jesus tithe. Any fool can honk". There is a deep truth to that pithy saying because our money is where we find our security and can become the greatest stumbling block to Jesus being the Lord of our lives. Money (And the lack thereof) can become the guiding and driving force of our lives. So are you going to let God become involved in your bidness or is that area off limits to His touch?
At the end of our conference, one of the pastors said he had just spoken with someone this week who didn't go to church because the church only wanted his money. Rod's response was great: I will summarize it this way: Then you must not go to 49ers games because all they want is money. You must not go to Target because all they want is your money. You must not go out to eat because all they want is your money. The difference in the 49ers, Target and a restaurant is that the church will utilize that money to change the world. The church handles those resources in a way that honors the Lord and allows others to hear the good news of Jesus.
Rod also encouraged us to read 2 Corinthians 8-9 this week and look at God's prescription for a grace-giving life. I hope you will take time to do that.
I hope that this Sip from the Well will remind you to let God's bidness encompass every aspect of your life!
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