Math According to Jesus

            In the gospels, Jesus sits down opposite the treasury at the Temple in Jerusalem and does some people-watching.  He sees some rich people putting large sums of money into the treasury.  Then he sees a widow who puts in two copper coins.  While his disciples probably thought that the rich people gave the most, Jesus thinks otherwise.  “This poor widow,” he says, “has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury” (Mk. 12:43).  Why?—Because she gave everything she had, while the others gave out of their abundance.  In making this observation, Jesus teaches his followers a very important lesson:  It is not how much you give that is most important, but how much you had to start with.

            John Wesley, who is known as the founder of Methodism, took this teaching to heart.  When Wesley first became a Christian, he was making 30 pounds per year.  He lived on 28 and gave 2 to the church.  “When his salary was increased to 50 pounds per year, he lived on 28 and gave 22.  When his salary was increased to 100 pounds per year, he lived on 28 and gave 72” (H.N. Wendt, In Heaven’s Name, Why on Earth?).  While some might think this to be rather extreme, this was Wesley’s way of living out his faith.

            Here at St. Luke’s Zion, some have more, some have less, and yet all of us are part of this community of faith.  And, when it comes to our offering, some give more and some give less.  Still, if we pay attention to Jesus, it is how much we have to start with that really determines how much we are able to give.

            There are many different circumstances that people are in.  Some of you are giving as much as you possibly can, and for that I say, “Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity!”  Some of you come sometimes and have very little that you can give at the time.  To you I say, “Come and worship!  You are welcome here!  And God is quite aware what you have or don’t have!”  Some of you give the same amount now that you did 10-15 years ago.  To you I say, “Might you be able to give more, as expenses continue to increase?”  Some of you are not able to attend worship very often, and only give an offering when you come.  To you I say, “Might you consider signing up for PAR for all or part of your offering?”  This would support the ministry of the congregation on a monthly basis.  And finally, some of you have been blessed with abundance, and have plenty to share.  To you I say, “Are you able to share more with your congregation than you have been?”

            Of course, you might wonder why I would say any of this.  Financially speaking, the congregation continues to be thousands of dollars in the red each year, which will not be sustainable in the long term.  In fact, some might even say that the future of the congregation depends upon the support of its members and friends.  However, when we really think about that statement, it is not quite right.

            Ultimately, the future of this (or of any) congregation depends, not on us, but on God.  This is God’s church, and it is the Holy Spirit who changes hearts and lives and who works in and through the members of the body of Christ.  We forget this at our own peril, as we need to continue to trust God and be open to the Holy Spirit.

            And so, resist the urge to think about offerings or about finances in purely analytical terms.  Pray!  Seek the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Make giving an offering an act of worship and an expression of your relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  And, above all, continue to think about the purpose that God has given us and the ways in which we can continue to share God’s love with all people.  For we belong, not to ourselves, but to God, through our Saviour Jesus Christ.

                        In Christ,

                        Pastor Lynne Hutchison