Here’s what I want you to know: Robert Lindon, Stewardship and Finance Chairman’s going on here, God?

Stewardship is not a modern word and sometimes not inviting in today’s world. We have replaced it with words that mean the same things like generosity or contribution. But for me there is nothing complicated in describing stewardship for the Church. It is the use of our time, talents and resources to be used to further God’s kingdom. It is my belief if folks give of their time and talents they likely give of their resources.

How did I start giving?

I grew up in a small Southern Illinois town of 850 people on a small farm with 6 kids and mom and dad. Dad farmed and somehow he and mom made ends meet. For sure each year we had a very large garden and chickens and livestock so there was always food on the table. We went to Church virtually every Sunday and looked for the day we would get our pin of 100% attendance for Sunday School. When we were young Mom would give us money to put in the offering envelope . The offering was collected in Sunday School. This became a habit. Now I’m not saying I was an angel during those formative years but I knew church was supposed to be a part of my life.

As with many of us when we move away from home we did not have a regular pattern of worship.

Kris and I started a family and Church again became a natural part of our life.

Growing up I was used to putting something in the envelope each week.

However it was not until I started trusting God that I realized it was not just about the amount of money but what it represented. The bible provides multiple examples of giving.

Moving to tithing—which means giving 10% of our income to God— did not happen overnight. I can remember writing a check for $20 and thinking I was giving all that was available. But it was not all that was available it was all that I thought we could give. As we started using more of our time and resources in the church we started moving toward tithing. Priorities shifted and changed. So in my mind stewardship is not complicated, it’s a decision and up to us to be a good steward. We have to put our faith in God and trust that he will provide. It does not mean there won't be bumps in the road and challenges to overcome. We are given the Holy Spirit to be with us during these times.

Over 30 years ago a very wise man that attended Wheatland Salem Church gave me some advice and it sticks in my mind yet today. I was explaining that I was not getting some things done. His response to me stayed with me all these years,“You have not made it a priority."

God is asking us to make him a priority in our lives. We should not let ourselves of the hook just because we are in challenging times. It is during the challenging times that our faith is tested and made stronger. We all have sinned and are short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) The least we can do is be good stewards to his Church.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV)

Pastor Jen