Dreamers and Stewardship
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2 Peter 3:8-15
8. But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9. The Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up. 11. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12. waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be kindled and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire! 13. But according to his promise we wait for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14. Therefore, beloved, since you wait for these, be zealous to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 15. And count the forbearance of our Lord as salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,
I attended a meeting at church last night of the new Capital Campaign Leadership Team. It was our second meeting as an entire group, and we eventually began to discuss how we were going to convince the congregation that we need to pay off our mortgage more quickly that “required“ by our lender. We all agreed it needed to happen, and we each had our own ideas about what to do with the “extra” money once we begin to pay down the mortgage. The ideas ranged from “it’s good financial stewardship” (which appealed to me not at all!) to “we can reach out to so many people in so many ways--have more education class rooms and a building devoted exclusively to CARITAS and other outreach programs.” (Guess who dreams of that!?). I guess that’s why I’m one of the Spiritual Leaders and not the “financial” person!
I won’t say we argued, but all of us have very strong personalities and the conversation grew rather animated. In the end, though, we all agreed that two things are crucial -- ok -- three things. First that we must always stay grounded in Christ. Second, we must all be certain our decisions are not based upon our own vision of “a new heaven and a new earth.” Third, we must agree to lift each other up and pray for discernment, and also peace about the decisions that are made. All of us are passionate about our church, and deeply committed in our faith. Our task is to remember our common bond as we dream out loud together, and look to the future.
I rather marvel at the workings of that group. God is so amazing! He brought together dreamers like me -- who care not one bit about money -- and teamed us with those stoic practical types who remind others of us, that we can’t realize our dreams without money! And I thank God for those who keep us on track, watching over our financial resources, and keeping one eye on the bottom line as they dream their own dreams for our church!
We don’t exactly live in luxury. But we are finally at a point where we are “comfortable” financially (as long as we don’t have any big upsets!) When we began to discuss ways we could come up with more money--over and above our weekly giving, we weren’t too optimistic about whether we could give any more. We don’t have a huge nest egg, half of which we can donate to the church. We’ve already held off a couple of extra years before purchasing another vehicle. We don’t have any lump sums of money anywhere that we can contribute. But I can cut out a trip to WAWA (or Starbucks), and I can bring my lunch every day to work, and I can forego one night of eating out, and I started a “family change tin” where all our change is collected and taken to Coinstar (at Ukrops where the 8 cents per dollar goes to charity and not the store).
The thing is, I should live that way anyhow! I don’t think, though, that will be the catch phrase that will inspire people to change their lifestyle! Our team will be in prayer this week to discern what that catch phrase should be. As if the impending arrival of Christ at the end of time were not reason enough to live as kingdom people!
I hope today you join me in thinking about where you place your priorities. And with me, rekindle in your daily living the dream promised us at the resurrection.
Mary
