James 1:17 ESV
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
As I drove into town this morning, I observed a local church building having repairs done to its roof. Likewise, as I arrived at our church we were having a new window put in as to replace the one which had rotted with age.
What does it mean to keep God's House in order? First and foremost we must not confuse the church with a building or a certain space. We as followers of Christ understand that the Church is the people, and with that being said the church cannot be held to one certain location. The Church as the Body of Christ is and should always be mobile and at work in any location.
But.....what does that say about the condition of our worship location, that many of us refer to as "God's House." Our scripture from James tells us of God's benevolence for His people. Likewise, we as the Body of Christ are the physical distribution of this benevolence.
I often refer to the story of the Catholic Priest that was speaking of the financial needs of the church, when he informed the congregation "The money to meet our financial needs is in your pockets, you need just pull it out."
What we must understand is that God gave us Jesus and Jesus left us the Holy Spirit to guide us, teach, us lead us, and supply us until Christ returns for His Kingdom. Does the Holy Spirit Guide your financial decisions? Where does the ministry and upkeep of the church ministry take place in our budget decisions, and allocations?
As we go forward in all our ministries and reap the benevolence of a gracious God, what emphasis has the Holy Spirit placed on our hearts to support and support His gracious benevolence. Often we say "God will Provide", and yes He will....but He works through His Saints to feel His call to assist in supplying that benevolence.
Can the Church of Jesus Christ say today
- Their pastors and staff are being taken care of, as to be emotionally, physically, and spiritually healthy?
- Are ministry teams fully funded and supported?
- The facilities in which they worship, are safe, and efficient as to honor God's benevolence?
- Does your place of worship have a budget that has more red in it, than the Gospels?
- Does the Body of Christ share their gifts as God shares His benevolence.
Yes, if there is no variation in God's awesome benevolence, shouldn't our benevolence as the Body of Christ be as gracious. The woman with the two coins gave all she had, can many of us say the same? Churches need maintained, pastors and staff need fed, and the bills and financial obligations of the church need paid.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Pastor Tim
