Saturday, August 18, 2012

Do What Is Good And Right

When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not!

-- 1 Corinthians 11:20-22

Several years ago a dear man who had grown up in the church I attended died unexpectedly. Though he was grown with a wife and children, his father and other family members remained in the church.

His funeral service was held in a neighboring town in the church he attended with his wife and children. His body was brought “home” for burial. Our church arranged to feed the family after the graveside service concluded.

As is usually the case at Deep South funerals and feedings, there was ample food. It covered a long line of tables and there was a separate section for all the desserts. The folks in the church wanted to make sure this family knew how much they were loved.

The graveside service was packed with people. Many from our town didn’t attend the funeral service, opting instead to attend the graveside service, while others attended both. The family stayed after the service to greet friends and acquaintances while some of us went back to the church activities building to prepare.

The family sent word that we were to go ahead and eat. I was appalled at the thought. The food, after all, was for the family. But some immediately rushed to begin and others soon followed. You might guess what happened. By the time the family arrived, there was hardly any food left. In fact, two of the church members went to different restaurants to buy extra food. It was embarrassing.

I understand why the family wanted folks to go ahead. They are kind and gracious people. But I couldn’t understand why anyone would accept their offer when the food was never meant for them anyway.

Apparently in the early church, a large meal was served following communion. Some took advantage, eating and drinking in excess, while others went hungry. Paul was upset because such behavior clearly doesn’t demonstrate what the church is all about -- love and caring and sharing.

I likely will never forget the sight of those barren tables that afternoon, the tables that had been so lovingly filled with food meant to feed and comfort a grieving family. Nor will I forget the greed of those who should have done what was right.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Don’t Value What Doesn’t Matter

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. -- Acts 4:32

It’s that time of year again. It’s that time when the finance committee at church starts talking about money, about tithing, about trusting God. Have you tuned out yet? That’s what most people do.

We trust God. We do. We trust Jesus with our salvation. We trust Him to answer our prayers. We plead with Him for healing and blessings. But we don’t tend to trust Him with our finances. That’s off limits. We prefer to keep that to ourselves and decide how we’ll spend it. Or not.

There are few issues as volatile as money or possessions. We don’t want to share. Ask any small child. They’re happy to share -- when they’re done playing with it and when they’re good and ready to share. Not before. Don’t even think about taking it before then.

We adults are no better. We value our possessions and our bank accounts. Some of us are generous, but on our terms and in our timing. We don’t want anyone standing up there and telling us what a blessing it is to give more to the church, to charity, to someone we’re not sure deserves it.

There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. -- Acts 4:34-35

We tend to think of ourselves as superior to others. The more money and possessions we have, the better we feel about ourselves. Do money and possessions make us better people? No. In fact, sometimes just the opposite is true.

We look down on those who have less and that’s just plain wrong. Max Lucado once spoke of a friend in another country. The man works harder, perhaps, Lucado noted, harder than he works. Yet his family lives in a small hut with a dirt floor. It wasn’t about working hard. Or being smart. Or making wise choices. It was about circumstances and a life sometimes determined by where you live more than anything else.

Our hearts grow hard when we think of handouts to the poor. We are conditioned to believe that those in need aren’t worthy to receive our help. We blame them for their circumstances, and sometimes we are right. But God gave us another chance so why do we refuse others the same opportunity?

It all comes back to holding on to that money and those possessions. None of that matters, not in the scope of eternity. I wonder sometimes about those who think it does. It must be exhausting trying to hold on to something that you’re destined to lose sooner or later anyway.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Share God's Bounty With Others

"Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need." -- Acts 2:45

I heard an uproar outside. The geese were absolutely pitching a fit and something was honking back at them. We don't have any critters who honk, so I headed outside to investigate. I was amazed at the sight. About 28 Canadian geese had stopped in to visit and eat.

Our four white geese were quite upset. The Canadian geese would try to come on land to get some corn and the white geese would charge them trying to keep them away from the food. I hurriedly got more corn, assuring them that we had plenty for everyone. The white geese didn't care. They did not want to share.

Aren't we like that? We don't want to share, or give away, our possessions. We hoard our food. We covet our clothes and books and music libraries. We value our tech toys and autos. We want extra blankets and towels and clothes. Oh, sometimes we donate a few things to charity. It's a great tax write-off. But we don't tend to give away things we might actually like and use. Nope. We keep those things for ourselves.

The Bible clearly tells us to share with others. We are to give until it hurts, and not just what we don't want or need. I believe Jesus would be appalled by the hungry children and homeless families and the sick who can't afford medical care. I think He would look at our houses and cars and walk-in closets full of clothes and condemn us all with one mighty glance.

I'm not saying to give everything away to the poor and needy. I am saying we need to share what we have with others, whether we think they deserve it or not. All our possessions, everything we own, comes from God. We forget that sometimes. Let God guide our lives and direct our paths so that we'll know how He wants us to share all that He has given to us.