Over the past month or so Roxanne and I have been discussing a financial commitment to support growing childrens’ and youth ministries, and relieving the debt, at Schweitzer. The process has been interesting and good as we came to our understanding of sacrificial giving.
Personally, growing up outside the church, I learned about sacrifice through participating in sports and serving in the military. These sacrifices involved the giving up of my time and talent for something I valued more. It has only been through my faith journey that I’ve learned to sacrifice financially. And, it can be a challenging thing for me.
So how did we arrive at our decision, what are we giving up or sacrificing and what’s the motivation? We arrived at our decision through talking, praying, waiting and talking some more. We’ve been financially blessed in our lives so we had multiple options for our giving. Eventually, clarity came as we waited, prayed and talked. We are giving $15,000 out of our savings and will give up expensive vacations, home remodeling (e.g. new floors/carpeting and kitchen) and delay buying a newer vehicle. We are doing this to be obedient to God and to advance the Kingdom of God in this world, in our community and church.
Our motivation is obedience and in knowing our gift has eternal value in that children, teenagers and families will be served in their relationship with God. Our gift will relieve the debt of the church allowing for more freedom to deliver impacting ministry that includes serving the poor and those in need in our community–ministry that will transform lives. Our motivation in sacrificial giving is tangibly valuing our relationship with God above other things. Our motivation in giving is gratitude for our Lord who saves us and is our ultimate joy, security, hope , contentment and love. God’s grace and love has done, and will do, more for us than anything in this world could come close to matching. Material possessions or self-indulgent wants or experiences will fade–God is faithful–with us now and eternally. We are humbled and grateful. God has once again given us clarity in priorities and what is of eternal value–our relationship with God and other people.
