An article on Christian giving? Who? Me? You have to be kidding!

That was my first reaction to a request to write a stewardship article. So then why am I writing it? I began to think about members whom the Lord has used as blessings in my ministry, especially in the area of Christian giving. Here are a few of the “living lessons” who came to mind.

The man who encouraged me to preach the whole counsel of God. This Christian gentleman from time to time reminded me gently, but firmly, that part of my calling was to preach about money, even if I was not comfortable doing it.

The man who trusted the Lord in all things. He simply believed that the Lord could make anything happen. If the Lord wanted us to have a new church, he would move the members to give time, talents, and money to do it. How true! The church was built.

The Christian couple who encouraged other members in cheerful giving. They could have contributed more money than was needed for the congregation’s mission budget. But they knew that would not have been good for the congregation. Other members needed to learn the joy of Christian giving. Instead, they looked for special mission projects to support besides their regular gifts to the congregation.

The woman of modest means who always seemed to find something to give to various mission projects in addition to supporting her church and synod.

The couple who appreciated the goodness of their Lord. They were filled with thanksgiving, even in the dark and dreary days. They counted their blessings. They cheerfully shared what they had.

The elders who gave me a Sunday morning stewardship lesson. It was my first Sunday as their pastor. We were visiting before the service when the treasurer came in. He informed the men that there was not enough money to pay the bills. How’s that for a first Sunday shock! What to do? The chairman of the congregation calmly said, “Pastor, after the service tell the members that there is not enough money to pay the bills. They know what to do.” The announcement was made. In a short time the bills were paid. There was even a balance.

Some might consider that poor stewardship . . . giving to pay the bills. But this was a rural congregation. They had just gone through the planting season. Seed bills. Fertilizer bills. Money was tight, but they loved their Lord. They faithfully supported his work at home and through the synod. All they needed was a simple reminder.