My wife, Jan, has taught me many things over the years. One lesson that sticks with me is the lesson of value over cost. It had to do with shoes. I was okay buying a cheap pair of dress shoes. They were just not my biggest concern. But, the reality is, cheap shoes don’t last. I would end up paying close to the same for several pairs of shoes as I would for one well-made pair. When I began to look at the issue in a new way, I found myself not only willing to buy more expensive shoes but doing so gladly. And when I saw those shoes sitting in my closet, or when I would go put them on, I felt a sense of contentment. 

I have learned a similar lesson about giving versus generosity in regard to the offering I make to God. In my younger days my giving was all about what I could give without making a detrimental impact on my budget. It was a mindset of giving God the leftovers. Giving was something I knew I needed to do but it wasn’t my biggest concern. But several years ago God helped me look at my offering through they eyes of generosity instead of the eyes of my budget. And that shift led to a greater sense of contentment. 

These days, Jan and I prayerfully ask God – “What would you have us give?” It is the same question everyone at FMC is encouraged to ask. And when we seek an answer with hearts geared toward generosity it often leads to a larger level of giving than we would have naturally gravitated towards. But, the reality is, when it comes to the offering time at church, we always have this sense of contentment. No longer do we give out of a sense of duty. We now give out of the spirit of generosity. And it has made a world of difference. 

Recently you received a pledge card in the mail – enclosed in a letter from Pastor Daniel. I want to encourage you to pray the question – “God, what would you have me (us) give?” Then drop that card in the mail to the church and we will help you keep track of your God-directed commitment. And then, as you live into that commitment out of a spirit of generosity, I promise you will feel a sense of contentment deep in your soul.

Blessings,

Mike Lindstrom

Executive Pastor at First Methodist Conroe