Steady stewardship counters panic, anxiety
12-01-2008Steady stewardship counters panic, anxiety
Viewpoint: The Shepherd’s Staff
By WILLIAM O. “BUD” REEVES
Everyone is aware of the economic turmoil afflicting our national and world markets recently. I’ve seen it referred to as the “Panic of 2008.” It certainly has seemed that way, hasn’t it? The pundits are saying it is the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression of the ’30s, which, in my memory, they also said in 1987 and 2001.
There is no doubt that there are some serious economic issues going on: the mortgage crisis, banks failing, the stock market dancing all over the map (but mostly lower), jobless rates up. It is a concern, especially for folks on fixed incomes who depend on equity investments.
I don’t pretend to know that much about economics, but I know that panic is not a good way to operate in any situation. The dire predictions of the talking heads on TV are usually worse than reality, and even through troubled times, people of faith can prevail.
I still believe in America, and I believe we have learned enough in the last 75 years or so that another Great Depression is unlikely. As former President Bill Clinton said on “The David Letterman Show,” “For the last 200 years, everybody that has bet against America has lost.”
However, the current economic crisis has stirred feelings of panic among church people, too. In the church, we are dependent upon the support of our members and friends, and it’s all voluntary. When money gets tight, will people be able to contribute? Will we be able to support our ministries?
I believe we will, because our stewardship toward God is not fundamentally a matter of economics. It’s a matter of faith. Our giving to God is based on our love for the church and our desire to support the life-changing ministry we do. Our giving is a response of gratitude to God for the blessings he has already given to us — a practical, verifiable sign in our lives that we love God more than our possessions. These deep principles of faith are not subject to the fluctuations of the stock market because they are grounded in the faithfulness of almighty God.
In a financial crunch the fundamental rules of good stewardship do not change, because they are grounded on Biblical principles.Faithful giving to God is based on:
1.Priority.Our giving is our first commitment to God, a primary decision we make in allotting our family budget.
2.Proportionality.Different families have different capabilities because of the way they have been blessed financially. What is important is not the amount of the gift, but the proportion of income the gift represents. The Biblical standard of giving is the tithe, or 10 percent, and effective churches continue to encourage families to strive toward that goal.
3.Consistency.The ministry of Christ continues year round, so it is important to keep a regular habit of giving, so that our church can keep offering a full range of services and programs to make disciples.
4.Joy.The discipline of giving brings the fulfillment of knowing that you are obeying God and supporting vital ministry. “God loves a cheerful giver.” (I Cor. 9:7)
The promise of faithful stewardship is equally Biblical. God will pour out his blessings on his people when they are faithful. (Malachi 3:10) And we will be enriched in every way for our generosity in giving. (I Corinthians 9:11)
Indeed, my experience in previous crises has borne this out. In 1987, the church I was serving built a new building and paid for it in four years. In 2001, the church I was serving was in the middle of its third expansion project. We ended the year with growth in every area, including finances. I’m sure the history of churches all over Arkansas bears this out. Tough times are great times when the people of God are faithful. We have a chance to bear witness to God’s faithfulness, and we have an opportunity to help people who are hurting. When it comes down to it, our ministry is not dependent on the politics of Washington or Wall Street; we have a much bigger God, and he will prosper his people who live with a focused faith and a strategic vision for the future.
I believe much of the current economic meltdown has been caused by the human problem: sin. The greed, pride and materialism we have seen in the last few years have brought us to this point. But I worship a God who overcomes sin, and our faithful response to God in these difficult times is a witness in our church and in our community that we trust in God to provide as long as we stay faithful. When everyone around us is panicking, it may not be easy to stay focused. But “with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
Stay the course. Be faithful. Be blessed.
[William O. “Bud” Reeves is senior pastor of First UMC, Hot Springs. He can be reached at brobud@fumchs.com.]
