I can't remember the last time I went to a church service where I was not asked for money.  

Sometimes it's the traditional ushers "passing the plate" and giving you the stink eye if you don't contribute--other times it's the more hip, "we can't do what we do and reach the people that we reach without your money" line.  Televangelists, traditionalists, emergents--it doesn't matter--you all share the same common denominator.  I always get the same implicit message:  "God wants you to give us your money".

The whole thing bothers me.  It frustrates me because I feel like somehow God is being sold to me--like a used car.*

However--all of my frustration aside--as I study Christianity it's hard to deny the fact that Jesus was (and Christianity should be) all about giving.  If we are truly following our founder, then we Christ-followers should be giving away as much of ourselves and our possessions as we can (and that includes our money).  We are called to be radically, irrationally generous; our view of material things should be diametrically opposed to selfish ambition.  While many are trying to attain as much money as possible; our goal should be to give away as much as possible.  Christ gave everything (including His life); I think we can afford to reach into our wallets.  

So, to all you preachers, teachers, and church leaders--may I humbly submit a prayerful suggestion?  Talk about money more, not less.  Preach about giving; teach about money; ask us to give more.  Challenge us, not only to give---but to give sacrificially, to give until it hurts.  

But do it for the right reason.  Ask us to give because it's healthy for us and good for the world--not because it's funds your church.  Ask us to give--not because you need our money--but because giving makes our hearts more like Christ.

Do you want an easy way to check your motives?  Do you want a fool-proof way to confront those sceptics who suspect you of being a religious gold-digger?  

Here it is:  Ask us to give to that church or charity across town that you are totally unaffiliated with.  


*At the risk of sounding like bragging--but solely in the interest of preemptively answering a very legitimate response to my frustration--I should say that my wife and I currently set aside 10% of our income for God's work.  For the vast majority of my life (with one notable period of exception) I have always faithfully tithed.  This post is not about me justifying my selfishness (although God knows there is plenty of that in me).
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If I should slow my pace and 
finally subject me to grace

And Love that shames the wise, 
betrays the heart's deceit and lies

And breaks the back of foolish pride


- Excerpt from Jars of Clay's song "Jealous Kind"


Thank God too; I have entirely too much foolish pride.
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Solitude 01/09/2010
 
It is good to be tired and wearied by the futile search after the true good, that we may stretch out our arms to the Redeemer.  - Blaise Pascal

A week ago today--at the suggestion of a book I am reading--I set aside about an hour of time to spend in solitude.  No one else, no people, no distractions, no agenda other than to be alone with God.  

I cried.  In a good way.  To say that it was "good" would be an understatement.  Not necessarily easy, but definitely good.  I HIGHLY recommend it.

Often I spend so much of my time chasing after so many things that I wear myself out.  Don't get me wrong, I think the things I spend my time doing are good, worthwhile things.  It's just that I try so hard to get everything done, everyone taken care of, every situation resolved....that I forget the most important role that I can fill is just being God's kid and hanging out with him.

Last Saturday I got to hang out with my Abba.
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