1 Timothy 6:3-10
Paul draws a direct connection between false doctrines and the thought that godliness is a means to financial gain. Maybe my understanding of the prosperity gospel is faulty but I would think that this a direct shot at the heart of their teaching. Paul doesn't allow for any sort of "sow a seed" type talk here. This is somewhat timely since one of our "esteemed" media institutions here in town has recently had a complaint against it sent to the CRTC because they have been promising spiritual or financial reward if people would send them cash. The funny thing is that the complaint is coming from a pastor in Saskatchewan who sent them money basically as an investment strategy (sow a seed and you will reap the harvest) and when he didn't make a windfall off of God he complained to the CRTC. "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction."
I have been challenged recently to take a look at my life, especially in the area of financial waste and to try to simplify. Paul's statement in v. 8 is the heart of simplification: "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." This is a matter of justice and stewardship. I can use my money to bring even a small measure of justice and equality to the world rather than just using it for selfish comforts. I think that's a better use of what God has given me. I wonder if it grieves the heart of God when he sees the wealthy church of North America not motivated to action on behalf of the "least of these" in their own backyards and around the world. I wonder what would happen if the wealthy church of North America would learn to be content with food and clothing (and I don't think Paul is saying to be content because they are designer labels or super cool clothes - I think he is saying to be content that you have something to wear) and used their excess to restore justice. I wonder what would happen if I had this heart...
Showing posts with label stewardship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stewardship. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Un-muzzled oxen
This was done on Feb. 21 but I had no internet access.
1 Timothy 5:17-20
I am very humbled by the charge that Paul gives to Timothy regarding elders – especially those who preach and teach. First, I have no complaints about what I am being paid by the church. In fact, I want to make sure that the church is getting full value for their money. They have invested in me in incredible ways – both through salary and also by paying for learning opportunities. My job is to be a good steward of the church’s resources by making sure that I take full advantage of those opportunities. For me, this means that, if the church sends me to a conference, I attend fully and participate completely – that I try to learn as much as I possibly can for my own benefit and for the benefit of the church that sent me.
I also feel a huge responsibility to not abuse the second part of this teaching: to not entertain a charge against an elder unless it is brought by 2 or 3 witnesses. This means that the church has placed a lot of trust in me and I have a huge responsibility to live up to that trust. I haven’t always seen this practiced but for the most part this church is very good about protecting its elders, pastors and teachers.
The last part of this passage scares me to pieces. Because my reputation is so important to me (sometimes that’s a good thing in that it keeps me from doing things that are sinful; sometimes it’s a bad thing because it keeps me from taking risks) I would be very ashamed to have my sin brought before the whole church and to be rebuked publicly. However, this again speaks to the huge responsibility that I have to be faithful and righteous because of the position that this church has entrusted to me.
1 Timothy 5:17-20
I am very humbled by the charge that Paul gives to Timothy regarding elders – especially those who preach and teach. First, I have no complaints about what I am being paid by the church. In fact, I want to make sure that the church is getting full value for their money. They have invested in me in incredible ways – both through salary and also by paying for learning opportunities. My job is to be a good steward of the church’s resources by making sure that I take full advantage of those opportunities. For me, this means that, if the church sends me to a conference, I attend fully and participate completely – that I try to learn as much as I possibly can for my own benefit and for the benefit of the church that sent me.
I also feel a huge responsibility to not abuse the second part of this teaching: to not entertain a charge against an elder unless it is brought by 2 or 3 witnesses. This means that the church has placed a lot of trust in me and I have a huge responsibility to live up to that trust. I haven’t always seen this practiced but for the most part this church is very good about protecting its elders, pastors and teachers.
The last part of this passage scares me to pieces. Because my reputation is so important to me (sometimes that’s a good thing in that it keeps me from doing things that are sinful; sometimes it’s a bad thing because it keeps me from taking risks) I would be very ashamed to have my sin brought before the whole church and to be rebuked publicly. However, this again speaks to the huge responsibility that I have to be faithful and righteous because of the position that this church has entrusted to me.
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