From The Pastor - October Spire

How Much Is Enough?

This question is one with which many of us are struggling.  As we sift through our daily mail and emails, each of us is bombarded with requests of one sort or another. Looking at our own church, most of us by now are aware of the $40,000 deficit for this year.  Those of us who have been around for a while know the cycle of church life means that the annual Stewardship Campaign is right around the corner.  For these and other reasons, who could blame us for asking, "How much is enough?" "How much am I expected to do?"

We hope that as people of faith we ask these questions with a different perspective, one that recognizes the call to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us. This perspective invites us to question whether in our giving we are practicing charity or justice. 

Charity means giving from our excess, so there really is no significant impact on our lifestyle. Justice involves looking at our lifestyle, and asking whether or not we are being faithful to God. Such questioning often times leads to what some may call "sacrificial giving."

I believe that as people of faith we are called to view the world differently. I know that the more I am aware of and appreciate God's many blessings, the more willing I am to give of what God entrusts to me. Of course, there are limits to what we can do.  We have a responsibility to be good stewards and provide for our needs and the needs of our family.  At the same time, I believe that what we think we need and what we truly need are not always the same. Acknowledging and wrestling with this truth moves us from acts of charity to acts of justice.

There are many reasons why people financially support the Church. Some do so out of "self interest," because they get something. Many more do so out of a "spiritual thankfulness"- that is, an awareness of God's grace and presence in their lives and a gratitude for the Church that is important to them. Others pledge because it is part of their spiritual discipline, "a giving of the first fruits." Still others pledge out of a spiritual vision, a vision of what the Church can be in our community and world. 

Yes, the "askings" and special appeals are, and always will be, before us.  The call to respond is real and at times may feel overwhelming. I believe that when and if we take a step back and invite God into the discussion, our worldview is changed.  We see these "askings" as opportunities to live our faith. We are called to proclaim and model the love and hope God offers to us and all people. This love and hope is made more real when we, through giving, help to heal those who hurt and nurture those who want to grow in faith. When we are sincerely seeking to do these things, I believe the question "How much is enough?" has a way of answering itself.   

Peace,
Eric