Stewardship
We are all stewards of God’s bounty. Caretakers. For a brief period, we are given time, energy and resources. What we do with these gifts ultimately defines the character of our life andthe depth of our spiritual understanding. A Christian steward serves God out of love and gratitude for these gifts knowing that it’s not how much we have but what we do with what we have that is important. Sharing our gifts (time, talents and money) with the Church for God’s work on earth is what we mean by Christian stewardship. We give regularly and systematically in proportion to the gifts which we are given – the talents which earn us our living as well as financial support.
Giving money to the church is a symbolic act – the offering of ourselves in service and devotion to God. Giving is a practical matter, too, because the offering makes it possible for the church to pay its bills and carry out its mission in Christ’s name. The Bible says that we should set aside our “first fruits” – that our offering to God should be the first portion we set aside, no what remains. Some people give by proportion (say, $2 or $3 per week for every $1000 of annual income). Others set aside a percentage of their income. The Old Testament guideline for giving was the tithe (usual 1/10th)–it is Good Shepherd’s guideline as well.
Why I Pledge to Good Shepherd
by Yvonne Gittens-Joseph
I consider it an honor to share with you reasons why it gives me great pleasure to pledge to Good Shepherd.
The apostle Paul told us in 2 Corinthians that each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give; not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. He further said that service which is performed is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
When I came to New York four and a half years ago, I sought a church where I could find spiritual solace, and Good Shepherd provided such a sanctuary for me. I was moved by its natural warmth, family atmosphere, and fellowship. Good Shepherd welcomes and opens its doors to all who are willing to hear the Word of the Lord. The diversity of the congregation is living proof of this. We may be small in numbers, but this is compensated for by the immeasurable love and compassion shown for one another.
Pledging for me also signifies another aspect of my relationship with my Maker. It is a small way to show my gratitude for the bountiful blessings he has showered on me. What I have accomplished is because of him; in fact, my life itself, which some people take for granted, is a valued gift from him. In pledging I am saying that Jesus gave his all for me and this is the least I can do in return.
As we celebrate two thousand years since the birth of Jesus Christ, the world thirsts now, probably more than ever before, for the teachings of the Lord. We live in a world that appears spiritually bankrupt in many respects. Young people, who are in the prime of their lives and enjoy all the comfort money can by, turn guns on their fellow students and then commit suicide. Recently, in New York, which many boast as the number one city in the world, several innocent persons were attacked on a train by a man who, it is reported, was suffering from stress and went berserk.
In this environment it is important to try to ensure that the twenty first century will be one of spiritual rejuvenation and empowerment. Churches like Good Shepherd have a crucial role in confronting this challenge, and here again pledging will provide necessary resources to help the ministry to spread the Work of the Lord and advance his work. In short, a world in despair needs churches that care.
In pledging we must bear in mind that God sees the giver as well as the gift, the heart as well as the hand. It is not the amount we donate towards helping the Lord’s work, it is the motive he looks at. Pledging can be in different forms—those who cannot give money can provide their time and their talent. Whenever we give to assist the work of the Lord, we are contributing to making a better world.
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