Dear friends in Christ,

I visited with a couple new to the church recently, and we talked about all sorts of things. As it seemed that our conversation was coming to a close, the gentleman said, “Oh, I have one more question, and you may think it’s dumb.” I assured him that when inquiring about the church, there aren’t any dumb questions. And he asked, “What are the standards about giving to the church?”

Hopefully, most of you know what I said in answer to his question. First of all, “not a dumb question!” I said, “The Church teaches the biblical concept of the tithe, which is that we look upon everything we have as a gift from God, and we are then invited to respond by returning 10% of the 100% God has given us. That it’s not about “paying our fair share” to God or to the church, it’s about us being giving people – us understanding our relationship to God in terms of givers and gifts.

I said that we encourage people to calculate what portion of their income their giving to the church is, and make a plan to increase that proportionately until reaching (and even surpassing!) 10%. Part of the key to this concept of proportionate giving is the discipline of examining my giving as portion of everything that I have. It helps me remember – it reminds me – that I am returning to the One who has given me everything.

There is a company in Jacksonville that puts a bumper sticker on all its trucks that says, “If 10% is enough for God, it should be enough for the IRS.” I almost always shout out loud when I see that! It’s not because I’m opposed to a flat tax (I’m not totally sure how I feel about that), it’s because that’s terrible theology!!! Do you know why it is? Can you guess what I shout out loud when I see that bumper sticker? I shout out, “NO – 10% IS NOT ENOUGH FOR GOD! ONLY 100% IS ENOUGH!!!”

How nice and convenient that the One who gives us everything we have, wants us to keep 90% of it! Don’t you think?! Of course, though money is the most powerful symbol of who we are and what we have, our time and talent are just as significant.

As we “gear up” for the Fall, for Summer being over, for moving back to 3 services, for Education Hour for children, youth, and adults beginning on Sunday, Sept. 11, for football season to begin (talk about one of God’s greatest gifts!), won’t you please take some time to think about God’s gifts to you. Maybe you’ll realize it’s a good time to commit to coming to church every Sunday, or to join that adult Sunday School class, or bring your children to church – or your neighbor! Maybe it’s a good time to look at your financial giving, and either start thinking about increasing your pledge for next year – or even this year!

Whatever you do, please, please - remember and be aware of the incredible gifts God has given and continues to give you. And know that you are loved, really and truly loved.

+ George