Acts 2:42- 47 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
During Thursday Leadership Lesson, we have been talking about the 4 dimensions of discipleship: Seeking, Learning, Influencing, and Investing. Today, I want to focus on the Investing dimension.
Investing is the stewardship dimension of discipleship. “Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” True disciples are selfless givers who love to make eternal investments with their resources—time, energy, ideas, talents, and money. Disciples make financial investments; they understand that God owns it all and they function as stewards of everything they have. Disciples also invest their time and talent; they understand that God has entrusted them with certain abilities that are needed for the Church to function as intended.
One of our core values is “you make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.” Investors are always on the lookout for opportunities to serve and give.
It’s been said that you can determine a person’s priorities by looking at their checkbook and their calendar. I think that’s a pretty accurate measuring stick.
It’s not popular to talk about money or financial stewardship in the church. But there are twice as many verses in the Bible regarding money than there are about faith and prayer combined. Jesus said more about money than He said about heaven and hell. Why did he spend so much time talking about money? Because he knew money issues are tied to heart issues. Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Tithing is not a money issue. It is a trust issue. It is a matter of the heart. That’s why it strikes me as odd when people get caught up on the tithing issue (Is it really 10%? Does it all have to go to the church? On gross or net?). Disciples give the first 10% of their income to the church, but they don’t stop there. Disciples recognize that they are shareholders in the Kingdom of God and make investments out of the overflow of their hearts.
II Corinthians 8:2 describes the perspective we should have. “Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” Disciples are generous and gracious givers.
Disciples also invest their time and their talents by being involved in ministry. God has given each of us gifts and passions that can be used to advance His Kingdom.
Some people define success by how much money you make and how many people work for you. In God’s economy, success is defined by how much money you give away and how many people you serve.
The Journey of discipleship involves the adventure of Investing- giving our time, finances, energy, and gifts towards advancing God’s Kingdom. If you would like to learn more about this topic, check out the following books and opportunities:
Crown Financial (NCC Small Group)
Your Money Counts (Howard Dayton)
Living Beyond Myself (Bill Hybels)
I don’t know. For me it all comes down to Romans 12. In light of His great mercies. Giving and serving are “get to” issues. Until we see it that way it will always seem hard. If we can get to the point where we are it’s a bother that things “cramp our giving styles” then I think we will find giving is so much fun - even when it hurts. Then there is the giving till it hurts thing. But I won’t go there. We live and learn. Love ya.
heidiscanlon
January 6th, 2006