Whatever measure you deal out...  

9.You are under a curse--the whole nation of you--because you are robbing me. (Malachi 3.8-12)

Traditionally this text is used during some fund-raising, or 'stewardship' campaign by a church needing money. That isn't the case here. Fortunately, our church does quite well in having resources to meet the demands. This is intended to be an introspective assessment of a spiritual topic with very personal application that goes beyond whether or not one tithes.

If there are two kinds of people in this world - those who give and those who take; what kind of person are you?

This isn't meant to be harsh. In fact, I wish there was some way of making this printed word come across with soft tones and gentle speech. I would prefer to be sitting across a cafe table from you, enjoying a nice latté and gently inquiring as to how you are seeing yourself today.

Are you seeing yourself as one who prefers to be the 'giver' in a situation?

We live in a society where the majority of people are 'takers.' It isn't new. Jesus even had to chide the disciples for their 'taker' attitudes when it came to taxation. Jesus told them it was important to give to the government AND to give to God.

I believe that churches and governments need to be actively involved in meeting people's needs. I also believe that it is impossible for churches or governments to meet the needs without revenues. There will probably always be dialogue (if not open debate) about governmental bodies needing more revenue (those taxes that Jesus was talking about to His disciples).

There are school districts currently talking about millage increases. Probably most school districts wouldn't actually need more 'mills' if there were more dollars attached to each 'mill.' I think the same thing is probably true about churches and the portion of their budgets assigned to benevolences and missions needs - they wouldn't need folks giving more if more folks were giving.

If a school district had an expanding economy with new businesses and factories coming in, the amount of tax money coming in for each assessed 'mill' would increase dramatically and no one living in the school district would have to pay additional taxes on their home.

Likewise, if more folks who see value in the work and mission of the church would participate in giving toward meeting the needs of those being touched by the church, the financial load would spread out and needs could be met without strain on the rest of the budget.

So churches and governmental entities both need expanding economies. That only happens when the communities being served have expanding attitudes of benevolence (producers) to offset the continual demands of those who are needing services (consumers).

Perhaps we should reframe our conversation by asking ourselves, "Am I producing for the community with which I have attached myself, or am I merely consuming its services?" I think Jesus intended that we be good, productive, giving benefactors for the sake of those around us and for the sake of eternity.

Do you know of someone who wants to start a business? Start it here! Do you know someone who wants to be an active and vital part of the Kingdom? Invite them to church. Let's grow and expand and meet needs together. Whatever measure you deal out...Don't rob God and don't short your community.