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It’s Not Just the Money, Honey! First of all, let’s forget all this business about 10% for a while – NOT that God has not ordained the tithe and not that it is not our mandate to return at least this small portion to God of all He has given us. The tiny 10%, though, cannot always be applied in other aspects of stewardship—that is, perhaps my broadened definition of the "S" word. If we accept scripture, God, who owns everything, freely and willingly gives of His bounty to His children. This same benevolent God is our Creator, in Whose image we are made, and He has created us complete with mind, soul, heart and spirit. Does it not follow that all WE have and all that make up our very beings and personalities belong to Him? It makes sense to me that my emotions, along with the usual stewardship elements (time, talents, and treasure), MUST be committed to my Father, Who by rights owns them anyway! Oh, gentle reader! Is THAT a scary thought!! Suddenly, my anger, my grief, my joy, my fear, my shame, my hatred (!)—all these turbulent sensations must be sanctified before the Great White Throne of my Awesome and Righteous Father. This stunning concept must put a whole new perspective on the myriad "feelings" we wander in and out of each day—or in my case, every hour! If I am angry, is it a righteous anger such as Christ displayed in throwing the moneychangers out of the temple? Or is it from being "inconvenienced," when the nervous driver who cannot see over her steering wheel pulls in front of me going 30 MPH??? If I am joyful, is it because I see God’s graciousness, His love, His mercy? Or is it because I found a pair of killer shoes not only ON SALE, but in my size??? Actually, that WOULD be a sign of God’s graciousness, BUT is that where my joy lies, or is it in the precious saving blood of my Rock and my Redeemer? If I am fearful, do I fall on my knees, submitting all my fears to my bounteous Savior and totally trusting His divine plan? Or do I sit and worry myself into a dither, wondering whether or not I’ll be fired, or pay the gas bill, or whether Shep’s grades will be good enough to get him into dental school? If I am ashamed (as I rightly should be) over sins I’ve committed, do I run as fast as I can go to the Powerful Judge of Israel, confessing all, repenting, and begging for mercy? Or do I skulk around in corners, hanging on to my culpabilities and moaning that surely God wouldn’t want to talk to ME, a miserable and lowly sinner? If I am paralyzed by grief, do I clutch the hem of His garment, reaching to feel His gentle arms of comfort about me, claiming His everlasting promises? HE will never leave me or forsake me, this incredible God Who collects my tears in His wineskin. Oh, my friends, we MUST subject every aspect of our emotions, our feelings, our responses to a careful scrutiny—are they worthy to give up to the Lamb? Certainly not, but have we allowed Christ’s healing and cleansing blood to wash them in His righteousness? Thus, stewardship of our emotions—giving them totally up to the Author and Finisher of our faith to mold them, to purify them, to make them able to bring HIM glory—must be paramount. If we are faithful in our giving of the teeny, tiny 10%, how can we NOT be faithful in surrendering our seats of passion to be used by Him Who numbers the hairs of our heads for His glory? —by Margaret Tohill |
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