All of us have had saints come through our lives: men and women who helped us grow in our walk with Christ. A youth director, or Bible study partner. Mentors and those who walk beside us in this journey of faith. I know I’ve had a few.
There was Cami, the youth director I had for 2 years in high school. She took us on mission trip experiences, including one called Youth Serve in Kershaw SC where we had structured time alone with God, worshiped together, and divided into groups to serve. There was Lana, a Choir Director who encouraged me as I transitioned from High School choir to a college student in the church’s Praise Band. Teachers for the High School Sunday School class who guided us as we read scripture, and adults who welcomed me into their Sunday School classes when I wanted to dive deeper into scripture.
And there was my grandfather: a Presbyterian minister who I discussed theology and the bible with, as well as how to fish and get rid of ticks. For years, every time we went to see our grandparents, we also went to church with them, where my grandfather led worship as the pastor.
And with guidance from my parents, pastors, Sunday School teachers, and youth directors, I learned about giving to the church. I grew up with the idea of a tithe: you give ten percent of your income to God. That meant that I gave $2 to the church out of the $20 allowance my parents gave me. I gave 10% of my paycheck when I started working after high school. I grew up with this idea that as I saved money for various things that I needed, 10% of what I received went back to God.
This fits what we heard from two scripture lessons this morning. In Malachi, the people aren’t bringing entire tithes to God, yet they’re claiming to. So the Lord calls them to bring the entire tithe, and God will bless them. See Persia was in power during this time. The people were back in the land after the time of exile, but things weren’t the same. Malachi focuses on Israel’s covenant relationships with God: they need to be in right relationship with God and with each other. And that includes bringing a tenth of all of their harvest.
This idea of bringing an offering to God had been with them since before they had a land. In Deuteronomy, the Israelites are traveling through the desert to the promised land. But before they get there, they have a few things to learn. They will be prosperous, so long as they remember the Lord and do as God says. They need to keep the Festivals in gratitude to God. They are told to “contribute a freewill offering in proportion to the blessing [they] have received from the Lord.” They are not to appear before the Lord empty-handed, but to give as able according to the blessing they have received from God.
This is what we are called to as well. Giving to God is part of our worship as much as it was theirs. A deep connection with God can strengthen and sustain us, enabling us to live generously even in challenging times. Being connected to Christ leads to a fruitful life and one of generosity. When we can see the abundance of God, when we can see God is at work in our lives and trust God’s hand, we are more able to trust that things will be ok. We can give out of a sense of joy, knowing that we are making a difference.
This morning, we are dedicating to God the pledges we make. Some of you have already filled out and turned in your pledge cards: thank you. Through these pledges, or estimates of giving for the year ahead, the church is able to take into account what will be received and make a plan for the year ahead. We can plan for the bills that are coming up, as well as put together a budget for the mission of the church and for marketing to let people know what we’re doing.
Wherever you are in your giving, thank you. Thank you for the time and leadership that you give and have given over the years, the talents you have shared, resources you give to our missions and our kids. And thank you for your regular offerings. If things are a little harder this year than in previous years, I understand. With a family, I’ve had to reconsider that ten percent tithe, but we continue to make a pledge each year, because we give back to God. Our contribution to the church continues to be part of our family’s personal budget.
We know that we are blessed. So, if you haven’t had an opportunity to fill out your pledge card yet, please consider taking one and dropping it in the offering plate. For through these pledges, each of us considers what we will commit to God’s work through First Presbyterian Church of Parkersburg. And we will dedicate these pledges as we dedicate our weekly offering, asking for God’s blessing and guidance. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Comments