There are a lot of topics that I can touch on today that would trigger a massive reaction on both sides of the argument. An issue that would fire up passionate responses from either side. I have seen things discussed that have ended friendships and broken up families. There are issues for all of us that push our buttons and turn us from normal people into raving lunatics without regard for other parties.
Abortion. That's a definitely hot topic drawing anger from both sides of the aisle. No, not going there today. Not sure I am fully equipped to discuss that today.
Gay Marriage. Another topic that draws passionate responses. Maybe, one day, I will touch on that. Today is not that day.
Gun Violence. People are pretty passionate here too. Another one I want to touch on one day. There is definite middle ground here that I think both sides are missing.
Politics. Maybe. Definitely pushes buttons easily. I could touch on this, and I will soon. My conservative friends - we can discuss later the mix of religion and American politics. Bring the matches. Just kidding. Or, am I? (Seriously? Trump?)
The above are all issues that certainly trigger a highly emotional response. I think all that need to be discussed rationally. With grace, mercy, and most of all a willingness to listen. Those are not the biggest hot button issues facing the church. Actually, they are more symptoms of deeper issues festering in the heart. One day, my readers and I - we will discuss each and every one of them.
I believe the biggest issue facing the church is the topic of tithing and/or giving financially to the church.
Did you grab your wallet when I said that? Not the flashy topic you were expecting? But, you want a reaction in a church, get someone to announce in front of the congregation about needing to give more or a major financial need for the church. People do give, and are generous when there is need, but people tend to be very protective of their finances. Some don't want to feel like they have to give more if they don't want to or that they are made to feel like they aren't giving enough.
It's a tough spot for churches and I have been there. It is an uneasy proposition to ask for giving without it coming off as making people feel guilty. Might cause members to wonder where the giving is already being spent and if it is already being wasted. Plus, there are stories of the megachurches and the amount of money by those pastors that make people think all churches are wealthy and/or frivolous with their spending. Not true, but televangelists and mega-churches (not all, but some) don't help our cases when there is need.
But, giving to the church normally can be a task. It's easy to push that giving to the side when other bills and unforeseen expenses crop up. That you can use the money in a better way especially if you live paycheck to paycheck. Well, even if you make a good living you may still feel that way.
Now, I am not bashing others because we should be wise with our resources. Nor, do you need to be forced to feel like you have to give. God doesn't want cheerless giving. That's not what God calls us to. To make church giving just another weekly bill for our checkbooks. Nor, should it be a check-off box to consider oneself a Christian or be a member in good standing at a church.
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" 2 Corinthians 9:7
God owns it all. It is all His. Giving back to God is our response to all that He has given us first. That includes our time and other resources besides financial. There is no set standard of giving other than being a cheerful giver. We also should not be boastful in our giving, making a scene.
In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus notes the widow's offering and mentions it to his disciples. This sets a standard for our offerings as well.
As I said, to each their own. There should be no guilt in giving nor fear. Giving doesn't necessarily turn around and we become awash in cash later, because we gave. Maybe we will be blessed that way, but that should not be our expectation in giving. Giving is our act of worship to God. Allowing the church to continue to do the work it has been called to. Our hearts need to be raised in worship and not our wallets. Our giving flows outward because of our relationship with God, not to make the relationship better.
It is a thorny topic, but giving should be prayerfully considered and not be a divisive issue for the church.
Abortion. That's a definitely hot topic drawing anger from both sides of the aisle. No, not going there today. Not sure I am fully equipped to discuss that today.
Gay Marriage. Another topic that draws passionate responses. Maybe, one day, I will touch on that. Today is not that day.
Gun Violence. People are pretty passionate here too. Another one I want to touch on one day. There is definite middle ground here that I think both sides are missing.
Politics. Maybe. Definitely pushes buttons easily. I could touch on this, and I will soon. My conservative friends - we can discuss later the mix of religion and American politics. Bring the matches. Just kidding. Or, am I? (Seriously? Trump?)
The above are all issues that certainly trigger a highly emotional response. I think all that need to be discussed rationally. With grace, mercy, and most of all a willingness to listen. Those are not the biggest hot button issues facing the church. Actually, they are more symptoms of deeper issues festering in the heart. One day, my readers and I - we will discuss each and every one of them.
I believe the biggest issue facing the church is the topic of tithing and/or giving financially to the church.
Did you grab your wallet when I said that? Not the flashy topic you were expecting? But, you want a reaction in a church, get someone to announce in front of the congregation about needing to give more or a major financial need for the church. People do give, and are generous when there is need, but people tend to be very protective of their finances. Some don't want to feel like they have to give more if they don't want to or that they are made to feel like they aren't giving enough.
It's a tough spot for churches and I have been there. It is an uneasy proposition to ask for giving without it coming off as making people feel guilty. Might cause members to wonder where the giving is already being spent and if it is already being wasted. Plus, there are stories of the megachurches and the amount of money by those pastors that make people think all churches are wealthy and/or frivolous with their spending. Not true, but televangelists and mega-churches (not all, but some) don't help our cases when there is need.
But, giving to the church normally can be a task. It's easy to push that giving to the side when other bills and unforeseen expenses crop up. That you can use the money in a better way especially if you live paycheck to paycheck. Well, even if you make a good living you may still feel that way.
Now, I am not bashing others because we should be wise with our resources. Nor, do you need to be forced to feel like you have to give. God doesn't want cheerless giving. That's not what God calls us to. To make church giving just another weekly bill for our checkbooks. Nor, should it be a check-off box to consider oneself a Christian or be a member in good standing at a church.
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" 2 Corinthians 9:7
God owns it all. It is all His. Giving back to God is our response to all that He has given us first. That includes our time and other resources besides financial. There is no set standard of giving other than being a cheerful giver. We also should not be boastful in our giving, making a scene.
In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus notes the widow's offering and mentions it to his disciples. This sets a standard for our offerings as well.
As I said, to each their own. There should be no guilt in giving nor fear. Giving doesn't necessarily turn around and we become awash in cash later, because we gave. Maybe we will be blessed that way, but that should not be our expectation in giving. Giving is our act of worship to God. Allowing the church to continue to do the work it has been called to. Our hearts need to be raised in worship and not our wallets. Our giving flows outward because of our relationship with God, not to make the relationship better.
It is a thorny topic, but giving should be prayerfully considered and not be a divisive issue for the church.
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