"Why God Cares About Our Money"

Pastor Laura Guy

April 27, 2008

Here's an instant replay of what happened in worship:

We heard that "back in the day", a preacher could simply read some Scriptures about tithing, and the people would respond by giving 10% of their income to the church. Recent statistics report that only 3% of American Christians tithe today. What happened? Like most Americans, Christian Americans are also drowning in a sea of debt. That's why we offer Financial Peace University classes.
We learned that in the Old Testament times, most people farmed. They knew they had to work hard to plant, weed and reap, but they also knew that God provided the rain and sun. They saw the entire crop as belonging to God, and they were thrilled when the priests told them they could keep 90% of it. The other 10% was their tithe, and it went to the building and upkeep of the Temple - God's dwelling place.
We recognized that we no longer see God as the source of all our wealth. We think that our money belongs to us because we worked for it and paid the taxes on it. We think God should be happy whenever we have a $10 bill to put in the offering plate. What would happen if God opened our eyes and we really saw everything He has provided for us?
We heard Dave Ramsey share his story of how he came to realize one day that God wants us to give because we are made in His image, and He is the ultimate giver - giving His son for us. We also realized that God wants us to give out of gratitude, not obligation. Our giving is an act of worship, and that's why it's included in the worship service. We also realized that, for many of us, money has become the true American Idol, and we put our trust in it more than we put our trust in God. We need to unclench our fist that clings to our money and cling instead to God.
We shared communion at the table of love, remembering that Christ welcomes all of us to his table.