Dear Friends,
Last Sunday, we talked about financial stewardship based on the parable from Luke 16: 1-8. Its lesson is similar to the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25 and Luke 19 where a Master expects the steward to not merely keep wealth safe & secure, but to use it wisely, ideally to multiply it, and to make opportunities for the Master’s business. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, gave this advice about personal finance: “Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can.” I think Wesley’s advice sums it up well, so for the next 3 weeks I’ll share some brief thoughts about each aspect. However, it’s essential to remember that you can’t have one without the other!
“Earn all you can”- Never is the Christian supposed to take pride in his earnings and possessions; that is vanity and idolatry. The Bible cautions us frequently not to put our hope in material things which can and will fade away. However, the Bible does encourage us to work hard, to use our resources to help others, to live independently, and to “win the respect of outsiders” (1Thess 11-12). You may call this “godly ambition” but I think it differs greatly from so-called prosperity theology which says that God wants to make us rich as part of our spiritual journey, and that we deserve and should pray for material blessings. Indeed, 1Timothy 6:10 warns, “some people eager for money have wandered from the faith.”
It’s never about the amount you earn, and we must be careful of the desire to have more—these things count as selfish ambition and vain conceit (Phil 2:3). However, the other extreme of greed is just as bad…laziness. The Bible urges Christians not to be lazy, but to use their hands and “earn your bread” (1Thess 3:12) Even Jesus noted that, “the worker deserves his wages (Lk 10:7).” Christians can and should earn our wages with godly ambition and, at the same time, with humility knowing it is God who has gifted us and it’s God for whom we are ultimately working.
This Sunday we will hear the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazurus (also in Lk 16). Although the difference of their socio-economic positions are important, we will be focusing on what the parable says about eternal life and Jesus as the bridge for all persons. We’ll have a great slide show about the changes at the Annex, too. Can’t wait to see you!
Peace,
Pastor Amber
8.18.10
· The Preschool Board and Church Council are excited to announce Janice Nelson as our new Director at CRUM Kindergarten. In addition to her prior experience as a director, Janice has a background in Christian Education and a great love for God’s Church. Many of you may know her family, including her husband, Rev. Craig Nelson. On Sunday, Aug. 29, we will welcome Janice and all the CRUM Staff in worship. Pray for her and the school as they begin a new year.
· This Sunday after church everyone is invited to an Open House in the new FIU/MDC Wesley intern house (a.k.a. the Annex). Our regular refreshments will be served there and there’s plenty of seating in this now-cozy home.
· Choir Rehearsal has resumed on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm. Anyone is welcome to join!
· Only 2 more Wednesdays of Summer Bible study. Then, Pastor Amber will be moving this bible study to Thursday mornings at 10am. Starbucks Bible study will resume on Tues., Sept 7 at 7pm. They will meet at the home of Peggy Batey to decide a new location.
· Thank you for your generous donations for school supplies! We were able to distribute 22 backpacks with basic supplies plus some! Look for an opportunity soon to help provide supplies for our own school…
· Starting Monday the new office hours will be MWF 9am-3:30pm.
