The Problem of Wealth

Monday through Wednesday of this week my wife and I were at the Ohio District Pastors and Wives Conference.  The two main topics were on ministering to families dealing with children who have declared they have a same sex attraction and a theological presentation by our synodical president, Matt Harrison, on The Church and the Office of the Ministry by C.F.W. Walther.  Both topics were interesting and thought provoking.  Thank you for providing us the opportunity to continue to learn and grow! 

On Tuesday evening there was a banquet at which we celebrated anniversaries, milestones and achievements.  You should know that Gloria Dei was recognized by Pres. Cripe as a congregation that makes an impact with its investment dollars.  We currently, as a congregation and members combined, have over a million dollars invested in Church Extension Fund (C.E.F.).  Congregations, church workers, and ministries are able to use C.E.F. as a source for loans at low interest rates, and they also grant large sums of money to support the church.  Our investment helps make that possible. 

I was privileged to speak at this conference on Monday evening about the impact of mission work within the congregation.  It was exciting to share some experiences and to think about what mission trips to places like Haiti bring to a congregation.  We are at the very beginning of our mission work, so perhaps we have not seen so much, but I am convinced that mission work helps to clarify priorities, acts as a rallying point for people, calls people to ministry, and helps people grow in Christ.  We will take another step in our mission work this Sunday when Pr. Eliona Bernard from First Lutheran Church, Cap Haitian, Haiti will be with us to preach.  Please be sure to be here if you can, and invite a friend who may be interested. 

Mission work allows for participation across a broad spectrum that includes the entire congregation.  The obvious level of participation is seen in those who go.  Yet they would not go if they were not sent and supported spiritually, emotionally, and financially. 

That leads me to last Sunday’s message.  The Gospel lesson was Mark 10:23-31, which records an interchange between a rich young man and Jesus.  The account ends with the young man going away sad because his wealth stood between him and following Jesus. 

Wealth can be both a blessing and a curse.  If, like the young man in our scripture lesson, our wealth becomes the source of our comfort, the focus of our lives, or our reason for being, wealth is a curse that separates us from God.  Such dependence and adoration of wealth breaks the First Commandment:  You shall have no other gods.  If that is how we feel about our money we need to turn to the cross and repent!  We need forgiveness for such sins, and that is why Jesus died for us!

Wealth can be a blessing though.  Make no mistake sanctuaries are built with money.  Mission trips are funded with cash.  It takes funding to pay workers’ salaries, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, provide heat in the church, and purchase communion wine.  The proper use of our wealth is an important thing!  It is one of the ways we can show our love to God as we return tithes and offerings to Him in response to all of His benefits to us.  Our use of wealth is also a tool to show love for our neighbor as care for them for Jesus’ sake.  These are also powerful witnesses to others. 

I urge you to pray about your giving and the way you use your wealth.  Include a thank you to God for all the things He has provided for you – not the least of which are your life and salvation!  And ask God if your giving reflects the importance of His work and mission in your life, and if that’s okay with Him.  See how He leads you as a beloved, forgiven, blessed Child of God!

Questions to Ponder from Mark 10:23-31

-          When the young man asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life how did Jesus respond?  How have you lived in relation to the Commandments?  Have you, “kept all these,” from your youth? 

-          What was Jesus’ attitude toward the young man?  What did Jesus ask him to do after he said he had kept all of God’s commands?  What did that reveal about the young man?

-          How has God blessed you – spiritually, physically, financially, etc.?  Try to think through every aspect of your life and see how abundantly God has blessed you.

-          How did you learn to give?  When you put your offering in the plate why do you do that? 

-          Try this the next time you put your offering in the plate or see your Simply Giving draw:  Pray, “God, thank you for all I have.   In Jesus’ name, Amen.”