It's almost October and it's that time again. Football season? Yes, but veteran church-goers know what other time it is - stewardship or fundraising time.
Over the years I've heard people lament that the church is always asking for money. Or, "The preacher always has their hand out." I understand where most of them are coming from.
But, I have to say, it's not between me and you, and not between the church and you. It's between you and God, your true Creator and Father of all.
And, you know what? He doesn't need your money. Can you imagine the one who "owns the cattle on a thousand hills" needing more working capital? Do you think the one that spoke the stars into being could ever face a money crisis? No, but He does need us to give. In fact, He requires it.
Hear the God's words spoken through the great prophet Micah somewhere back about 750-686 B.C., "With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?
"Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:6-8.
Israel's condition was like a seesaw teetering back and forth between good times and bad, having to trust the hand of God. Nothing like the economic times and high unemployment of today, eh?
Some people of certain religious persuasion would suggest (seemingly promise) that if you send in your money prosperity will surely follow in the days ahead. I don't offer that not the financial kind.
"What do you want from me?" you ask. Nothing. It's between you and God. But I will offer you a hand (like a handout?) God wants you. Some may remember an old story about the time when a church was taking up a big collection and one person of meager means walked up and stepped into the offering basket.
If you give of yourself to God, you will receive the promises that He offered before you make your decision. Paraphrased from Matthew 6:25-30, I tell you, don't worry about everyday life, whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your Heavenly Father feeds them.
And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
If God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't He more surely care for you?
The Rev. Bill Baltz of Christ Presbyterian Church is a member of the Carson Valley Ministers' Association.
