Here are some guidelines for you to use when considering your own giving to the Church.
- The Church should be supported by the people who proclaim to believe the Gospel
- Support of the Church is a matter of Christin worship. True worship always requires an offering, something of worth to the worshiper, which is given in joy and reverence for the work of Christ’s kingdom.
- People have enough money to support the work of the Church. The average person gives 2 % of their income. Most could double their offering to the Church without reducing their standard of living. 10% is still the standard for Christian giving; it is the tithe.
- The first Christians discovered that Christ reconciled the world unto himself. They were joyful to share the Good News. They gave their money for the spread of the Good News. The first, however, gave their own hearts and lives to Christ. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son..” Christians so love that they give. Loving and giving is what stewardship is about.
- The biblical principle is that God is the only true owner and giver of all things. All we possess, our time, out talents, and our money are held in trust for and from God.
- It is God that we shall render an accounting of our administration of that trust. How are you doing?