November is a month full of transition from fall to winter, punctuated by Thanksgiving and the beginning of Advent. It is also a time when many of our churches
emphasize stewardship, and sessions plan their budgets for the coming year.
Christian stewardship is a way of living in which we recognize that everything belongs to God. We contribute a portion of the resources God gives to us to be used for God’s glory, in God’s mission in our world, and for the common good of humanity in the good works we are called to do. God gave us life and the gift of eternal life. God created us for God’s self, and God wants our total person (Mt. 19:16-24). How we use the resources in our control expresses our gift of self to God. In short, God doesn't just want a portion of our resources, God wants us to be committed to God with all of who we are.
Stewardship is guided by careful prayer and discernment. It is a reaction to God’s call for stewardship in all areas of our life and society.
During this time of talking and preaching about stewardship and budget, let us not forget our mission to pray for and to help those in need, as the number of poor in our nation has grown in recent years, as income inequality and the great recession have taken a terrible toll on many of our neighbors. The Bible reminds us that “A person that gives to the poor shall not lack: but a person that hides his eyes shal or her eyes from the poor shalll have many a curse.” (Proverbs 28:27)
The Bible contains more than 300 verses on the poor, social justice, and God's deep concern for both. A central theme of the Scriptures also speaks against the rampant sin of greed. The book of Amos, which emphasizes social justice and concern for the disadvantaged is a good one to read and study this time of year. We need to remember we are also called to be prophets for the Lord in our day, echoing the themes we find so clearly revealed in the Bible.
So may God guide and bless each session and congregation in our presbytery as budgets are developed, and stewardship pledges are made. "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7)
IN CHRIST,
Rev. Dr. S. Glenn Wilson
Moderator, Committee on Ministry
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