How much is enough?


The name “Reflect It Back” comes from the idea of
not only giving back, but also seeing yourself in someone else. –Max Carver


In many churches (including mine), stewardship season is just around the corner. This is the time of year when we (often reluctantly) begin focused discussions about budgets and giving and other stuff that many people don’t think a pastor should mention in the pulpit. Never mind that the one topic Jesus addressed more than any other topic was wealth and money; we don’t want to hear about it. After all, what I give is between me and God—right? (Sound familiar?)

It’s funny, isn’t it, how we seem to have convince ourselves that if we don’t tell anyone how much money we earn, if we don’t tell God, God doesn’t know? We feel obligated (I hope) to faithfully report our income to those agencies who need to have it—but somehow don’t believe God cares. We can throw God scraps, so to speak, and God will never even know.

How naïve are we? Granted, the IRS will come after us in ways God never will, but we owe God a pure heart and an honest answer—don’t we?

What if . . . when it’s time to make a pledge to the work of the church, folks first stood up and declared for all to hear what our annual income is? What if the conversation from there was more about the equal value of all God’s children in the eyes of the Creator? Maybe this would help us see that while some have more and others have less, if someone doesn’t have enough, it should be our task to literally share the wealth. In so doing, I believe we would all draw nearer to the Kingdom of God, and see the Imago Dei, the indelible image of God, in our fellow travelers through Life. This is what we are here for.


Monday Have you worked as a server or some other position that earns tips? What would that be like if there were no tips? Pray for these hard workers. Jeremiah 32:6-16

Tuesday A new month—how about a fresh opportunity to “pay it forward” and buy coffee or lunch for the person behind you in line? Psalm 91:1-6

Wednesday Many communities offer free lunches during the week. Find one near you and volunteer to serve. Psalm 91:14-16

Thursday Take time today to visit with someone you don’t know well. Listen more than you talk. Luke 16:19-21

Friday What was the worst time of your life, a time when you weren’t sure you wanted to continue? What turned the tide? Pray and thank God. Psalm 146:1-4

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, listen for the whisper of the Creator, telling you just how beautiful and beloved you are. Rest in that knowledge. Luke 16:22-31

Sunday Time for an honest conversation with God. This morning in worship, let God touch your heart. Remember God depends on you to be Jesus’ hands and feet until he returns. How will you help spread Love? Psalm 146:5-10

Life is an incurable disease leading to death, but it’s also an unrequested gift which, if we can manage to keep giving it away to others, can keep giving back everything to us.
--Stephen Hough

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