A Testimony of Stewardship
"Sell all that you have, and give the money to the poor." According to the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, these are the words of Jesus spoken to a young man who would be known, ever after, as The Rich Young Ruler. These words make me feel uncomfortable; maybe you also feel uncomfortable!
In the second stained glass window to my right, we have a wonderful depiction of Jesus in conversation with The Rich Young Ruler regarding that young man's priorities.
Gazing at this window, I hear Jesus saying: Libby, sell all that you have and give the money to the poor, and then, "Come and Follow Me" -- the words inscribed in this window -- "Come and Follow Me."
I hear Jesus speaking to me, and behold, The Gospel comes to life! Thank goodness, we know that Jesus was the Best Storyteller Ever, and he used exaggeration as a literary device to make His point. We do not literally have to sell everything and donate the proceeds. But Hark! Jesus clearly intended to get everyone's full attention. So, what was His point? I believe Jesus wants us to live faithfully and abundantly, to love steadfastly and joyfully, and to give generously and cheerfully. So, live and love and give. Jesus's words about finances are radical, irrational, and entirely consistent with his overall message of outrageous, extravagant love and mercy: "Turn the other cheek." "If someone takes your coat, give him your cloak also." Jesus's way of living, loving, and giving simply is not rational.
Here is my story: Before I was born, my parents, as a young couple, took a leap of faith and began making meaningful church pledges based on their finances. I'm showing my age with this parlance, but I was "born into the church." My husband Mark also was "born into the church." Mark and I both grew up in traditional Christian homes. And to this very day, Mark and I continue to be inspired by Mark's amazing mother, now age 93, still faithfully making her church pledge, still cheerfully placing her checks in the offering plate!
So over forty years ago, on the one hand, it seemed natural for Mark and me, as a young couple, to follow in our parents' footsteps, take a leap of faith, and make a meaningful church pledge. On the other hand, I must say, pledging that way was and, in fact, still is irrational! But now, over forty years later, it is the easiest thing in tthe world for me to tell you all that joining Rayne and pledging to this church are two of the very best decisions Mark and I have ever made.
If you previously have not made a church pledge, for whatever reason, I ask you to pray, meditate, and take a leap of faith! According to Scripture, the faith of a tiny mustard seed is enough -- that's another exaggeration in Scripture, to help get the point across to us. You absolutely will experience a deeper faith and spiritual connection to the Body of Christ when you pledge to Rayne's ministry.
Meanwhile, our city and our planet have many serious needs; countless organizations conduct fundraising campaigns. Church stewardship is not a cause but, instead, is a clarion call to discipleship -- an important part of our personal spiritual journeys.
We don't have any quotes from Jesus instructing us to build and preserve churches, but I believe our beautiful 19th C. church, in the heart of this city, with these inspiring windows and our lighted steeple, draws us closer to God and to each other. And I believe we are called to preserve our historic church "for such a time as this" and for those who will come after us, while focusing simultaneously, wholeheartedly on ministry.
I have one more important comment: our ministers and professional musicians are the very best, and we thank God for their leadership in worship and ministry. And, of course, together we have the sacred financial responsibility and privilege of paying the salaries of our wonderful ministers and church staff.
I keep Rayne in my prayers, always, that TOGETHER we will live abundantly, love steadfastly, and give, as Jay often says, generously, cheerfully, even sacrificially. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
~ Libby Adams
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