This is an article from our Stewardship Committee for our Dec-Jan 2012-13 newsletter.
Life confronts us with many choices, often causing us to reassess our priorities. One of those choices is in stewardship. Will we adjust our standard of giving to our standard of living, or will we adjust our standard of living to our standard of giving? These are questions that get to the essence of how we live out the faith that God has given us. These questions also challenge us to question our current priorities. Are our priorities where they should be?
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke about our concern over material wealth. He bluntly told us not to worry about such matters. He said, “First, seek the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you, as well. (Matthew 6:33).
Now, many of us apply Jesus’ words to our lives, but only in theory. Of course, we know that Jesus does not say not to work. But He does tell us not to worry. That’s easier saying than doing, isn’t it? That’s part of the never-ending struggle between our old, sinful self and the new person given us in our baptism.
God would have us focus, not on the ways of this world, but on the Life that He gives us. God never condemns someone simply for being wealthy, for being wealthy isn’t a sin. But the more we have, the easier it is for what we have to become a false god in our lives. How can I keep from losing what I have? Can I preserve the lifestyle that I expect for myself?
The Apostle Paul wrote about our need to be content with what we have. He encouraged us not about being anxious over material wealth and what that wealth can bring us. He wrote, “If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.”
Then, Paul alerted us about a trap into which we can all-too-easily fall: “But those who want to be rich fall into temptation. They are trapped by many foolish and harmful passions, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, craving for money, have even wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains” (1 Timothy 6:8-10).
What you give back to God comes from the condition of your heart. It reflects and shows, not brings about, your closeness to God. After all, our wealth is often the idol we are most reluctant to give up. That’s why sermons and talk about money often upset us more than any other topic in the Church.
We pray:
Our Father, from Your vast storehouse of love, You give me more than I deserve, shown to me most deeply in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me always be grateful for what You have given to me. Let me use all of what I have as You would want, especially in those areas that are always trying to keep You from being first in my life. May I honor you with my life, even if it means adjusting my standard of living to Your standard of giving. Amen.
