There's work to do

Understanding Christian Stewardship #5 by Peter J. Blackburn

Over the past four weeks we have been reflecting on four key motivations for our Christian living and giving -

·	Because God made me, because it is all his, because I am to be a responsible steward of all that I am and have... how should I then live?

·	Because God loves me... Yes, that stirs my love, my action. To what extent are my life and actions motivated by God’s love for me, and by his love within me for others? Because God loves me... how should I live - and give?

·	Because God saves me. I am not my own. I have been bought with a price (1 Cor. 7.19-20). Jesus gave his all for me. Can I give less than my all to him? Because God saves me... I want all that I am and have to be available to him.

·	Because I trust God... Yes, the Lord is calling me to action in many, many fronts. Part of that is giving - returning portion of what he has first given me, and knowing that he will ensure I have all I need (Matt. 6.33).

Jesus’ last words to his disciples form what is called the Great Commission - "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matt. 28.18-20).

Those words have shaped, and continue to shape, the life and work of the Christian Church. They are both a command and a promise. It is to our downfall whenever we forget them or fail to live by them.

Together with other Christian denominations, we bear the task of living and working by that commission in this area.

Paul describes the Church as a body – many parts with different God-given abilities, dependent on one another, working together under Christ the Head to fulfil his purposes (1 Cor. 12.12-31; Eph. 4.11-16).

There’s work to do. Are my time, talents and possessions available so that the body of Christ can fulfil his mission here?

Bring in the full tithes and offerings – there’s work to do!