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June 4, 2009
Guest Post: The Silent Middle - A letter to pastors
Dear Pastor and Stewardship Leader,
You don't need a major headline to know that times are really tough, and money is extremely tight. You can see that in your church budget, and your church members also see it in their own personal monthly budgets.
God commands us (especially you) in 1 Timothy to "Instruct those who are rich in this present age not to be arrogant or set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth...Instruct them to do good, be rich in good works, be generous and willing to share."
I don't know about you, but I don't feel rich. When I have to consciously think about every spending decision I make, as I watch my 401(k) drop and as our household income decreases 60% from last year, I don't feel rich at all.
But I am really. God has graciously provided for every need for my family. And out of a heart of gratitude for God's grace and provision, I want to be generous.
Help me. I don't have money for a private foundation, and I don't have a personal financial advisor to turn to for giving questions. But I want to learn more about being generous.
What does the Bible say about giving? What are other people in my income bracket doing to help others? How do I know if a ministry is financially sound and would be a good investment in the Kingdom? How can I be an even better steward of my resources so that I can give more?
"Instruct those who are rich" to do good, be rich in good works, generous and willing to share. Start with me.
Sincerely,
The Silent Middle
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Posted by bstroup at June 4, 2009 5:13 AM
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