August / September
Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.” Or what king, going out to wage war against another king, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one who comes against him with twenty thousand? If he cannot, then, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for the terms of peace. – Luke 14:27-32
How much will it cost? Most of us have asked this question and agonized over the response and wondered if we will have “enough”. Jesus has no fine print or hidden fees…he tells us upfront, “following me will cost you everything.”
Jesus would be a terrible politician and an awful salesperson, but at least he is honest with us. Jesus asks each of us for time, energy, and resources to help advance the inbreaking of God’s Kingdom on Earth. Often, people will ask me what is enough of their finances, talents, and time. Unfortunately, Jesus declines to give us a hard and fast number of hours to serve, dollars to give, or talents to share.
As St. Peter’s Lutheran gears up for the program year (Sept-May), I would like to invite each of us to examine our giving to church and ask two questions to help determine if what we are offering is “enough”.
- Is it intentional? Do you know how much you are giving of your time, talents, and resources? Take stock like the builder of the tower or the King faced with war. How are you serving the church community? What percentage of your gifts and resources are you able and willing to contribute to God’s work in this place? Again, this is not a shaming nor prideful activity. I imagine you know exactly how much you pay for rent or your mortgage each month. You likely know how much that item that you are longing for costs. Might it be important to know what you are able to offer to our efforts to share the Gospel?
- Is it significant? Do you notice your gift of money, time, or abilities to your faith community? If not, you may want to make some changes to your offering.
We give not because we ought to or have to, but rather because we are thankful for God’s forgiveness and salvation and want others to experience the same joy and new life. We get to participate in the good news! Please take a few prayerful moments over the month of August to examine your support for the community at St. Peter’s Lutheran.
Thank you for your gifts of time, energy, and resources because they provide meaningful worship experiences, learning opportunities for all ages, community gatherings, and activities that make a difference for those in need.
Peace,
Pastor Jim
