Having prepared and officiated for the most weddings I can remember having in any year of ordained ministry, I can again affirm that the most common areas of power, potential, and pressure in marriage are relationships, finances, and sexuality. When those three areas are anticipated, talked about, and planned for, the couple is building a strong foundation for their marriage relationship. In premarital counseling we talk about these issues even though the couple may not be, and hopefully is not, in crisis about them. The conversations are insightful and give the couple the opportunity to consider the issues in non-threatening ways.
I hold a similar view in regard to stewardship and finances for us as disciples of Jesus Christ. That is, anticipation, conversation and plans for giving in a non-threatening environment contribute to strong faith in our life together as the Body of Christ. One early recognition we may make in talking about faith and finances is that our consumer culture leads us to view the goods of creation and community as commodities that can be bought and sold. When we have a "transaction" mentality about giving, then we might expect that our gift should be directly followed by faith, health or love.
I invite us to a "transformation" mentality about giving, where we realize that through giving we enter God's realm of blessing and abundance where strength may come from many directions and sources, not just as a direct result of our current gift. The wisdom writer of Proverbs noticed:
"One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:24-25)
In our life with God our giving is a response, not a stimulus.
Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the LORD will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth” (Genesis 26:22)
One cornerstone or solid practice in giving is a tithe, which is a tenth of some amount. I have shared in worship before that every gift we give is a tithe of something. Multiply your gift by ten and see what else it looks like in your economic world: a tank of gas; monthly electric bill; mortgage payment; weekly cost of groceries. Jacob's experience shows us a greater foundation for giving, "and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth." One sign of growing in faith is that the basis for our giving is what we receive, not some other expense in our personal economic world.
The presence of joy also affects our giving and the perspective we have on our wealth. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field" (Matthew 13:44). Each Sunday in worship I conclude the invitation to give this way: "We pray that our giving may come from, or lead us to a joyful heart." May you find ways to rejoice in sharing a portion of what you have received and be refreshed by God's generosity.
