Today’s Thought “The Absolute Best” G. Ward

Then the Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying, “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, When any man of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of animals from the herd or the flock.  If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer it, a male without defect; he shall offer it at the doorway of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord.” Leviticus 1:1-3

Have you noticed upon visiting churches their perspective on times of offering? Some make it a ceremony within the boundaries of worship services, while others categorize it as the most important segment to attending church. Personally, I’ve been to numerous churches to view this segment as entirely un-appealing and super invasive. On many occasions, I’ve viewed both Deacons and Ministers beg incessantly for more; even up to mis-quoting and de-contextualizing passages to bolster more funding. You would think that leadership as submission to unadulterated doctrine would be pervasive enough to hear a scriptural sentiment found in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

*Greed obscures truth, thus circumventing rational thoughts that would lead to proper discourses. Our perspective should always be considerate of a member(s) of an audience that could be unfamiliar with supporting a local congregation. Sharing the good news (i.e. the gospel) is the panacea for not knowing how much one should render, and although a repentant heart in the moment of realizing Holy God’s loving them can be resolved immediately (cf.Eph.3:20-21), the process in learning truer reciprocity must be regarded.

The problem perpetuated by the local church is making the preaching point (11 a.m. services) the culminating factoring in the lives of believers vs. discipleship (i.e. equipping – Eph.4:12), that demands altruism from every believer, outside the realm of a great crowd. We’re often viewed as un-blemished while amidst many that seemingly desire Jesus as Lord, yet in our heart, particularly when contrasted with the greatest sacrifice given, must question whether or not ours is the absolute best… Happy Tuesday!