Giving this fall
It may seem odd to equate giving or financial stewardship with your own personal growth. Yet there is an undeniable relationship between the way we use our money and the impact it can have on us spiritually. Very often, money is seen as ultimate security. The bigger our bank account the more secure we feel. It can be hard to open our hands to God and “let go”, especially when our economic future seems less secure than before. However, giving is an opportunity to remind ourselves where our true security comes from. It is a chance to grow closer to God. St. Augustine said that God is always trying to give good things to us, but our hands are too full to receive them. In the SPC bible study, Radical Joy, one of the journal prompts was “If my hands weren’t so full, I think God might give me…” We all must perform some self-examination: what are my hands full of? If I let go, who will be blessed? What will God bless me with?
This Fall's Stewardship Sermon Series, “Will You Grow?” will explore life traveling with Christ, and how that journey, by nature of the guide we are following, changes our perspective on financial stewardship. Look for more information in your mailbox, bulletin and email inbox.
ROOTS
The Bible is not silent on the subject of spiritual growth. And as spiritual growth pertains to financial stewardship, it speaks volumes...
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
—Matthew 6:21
“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will
be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
—Luke 16:14
“So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you
with true riches?”
—Luke 16:11
Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's
life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
—Luke 12:15
ENVIRONMENT
Just as the sapling needs light, water and soil to flourish, we need an environment that will give direction, clarity and support to the choices we make around money. What better place to begin than with prayer? You can start by simply asking God for discernment in your financial decisions. You can pray alone, with your spouse or with your small group. You can pray for guidance in placing your “treasure.” You can ask for a transformation of heart. You can ask God to make you a “passionate steward.” You can thank God for all that he has entrusted in your care. You can request sustenance on the stewardship journey.
And no matter where you are on that journey, everyone can benefit from planning, encouragement and the voice of experience. For some great nurture and rock solid planning tools, visit Learn More and Tools for Planning.
BEARING FRUIT
Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. —Deuteronomy 15:10
The Bible teaches us to be generous with what we are given and content with what we have so that when we are blessed, we can then bless others rather than consuming, hoarding and holding back (Luke 12:14-21). Your financial commitment touches people in real and tangible ways as you support the Mission and Ministries of SPC.
MATURITY
We are challenged by God to view our management of the financial resources he has entrusted to us as a means to deepen our faith as well as bless others.
As you are preparing to deepen your relationship with God through giving, questions or challenges may arise. There is a small, confidential financial stewardship team at SPC who would love to help guide you during this time. Please feel free to contact us at willyougrow@spconline.org. Of course you may also contact an SPC pastor with specific spiritual concerns at any time.
