August 7 - 13, 2006

 SOLI/Update
   
 www.stewardshipoflife.org

  Miracle lessons for every Christian
 
John's account of the miracle of the loaves and fishes has been stirring in my heart ever since we read it as the appointed Gospel a couple Sundays back. In particular, Jesus's actions just before feeding the multitude and just afterwards. In a miracle that handily demonstrates God's abundant providence, Jesus models two important stewardship principles.

First, in John 6:11, Jesus gives thanks for the five small loaves and two fish. This meager amount of food, a small boy's packed lunch, would provide less than a crumb for each of the 5,000 people gathered on the grass, but Jesus gives thanks for it just the same!

Faced with a shortfall of resources, many Christians and Christian organizations scorn what little they do have. Jesus tells us to give thanks to God for anything we have, even if reason tells us it is woefully insufficient for our needs and ministries. Because in God's economy, little amounts can grow!

Then in verse 12, after everyone has eaten as much bread and fish as they desire, Jesus orders the disciples to collect the scraps and pieces -- 12 baskets worth -- "so that nothing may be lost." Doesn't that seem peculiar? Everyone is full. They won't be hungry for a long time. Moreover, if Jesus can miraculously multiply food whenever he wants, why care about the scraps?

By ordering the disciples to gather the leftovers, Jesus models frugality amid abundance. Even when there is plenty, he wants nothing to go to waste. It's a needed lesson for us in a culture that tends to accept waste as an inevitable byproduct of wealth. Our cups runneth over, and we tend not to worry about what lands in the saucers.

When they  have lots of money to spend, many churches and philanthropic organizations fail to spend it wisely. Every now and then the scandal-obsessed media report about the prodigal pastor or charity CEO who wastes thousands of donated dollars on lavish trips, extravagant office redecorations and personal luxuries. But more commonly and less sensationalistic, our abundance simply makes us less cautious about how well we use the money with which God has blessed us. Yet Jesus is careful to make sure nothing is lost.

So in the miracle of the loaves and fishes, Jesus models two important principles: Be thankful to God for whatever little you have, and be careful with your abundance so that nothing is wasted. Good lessons for every Christian. 

--Rob Blezard, Editor and Webmaster
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New This Week:

New program! Celebrate Generosity
Here is a great resource for congregations looking for something new to do with stewardship. Celebrate Generosity aims to encourage members of a congregation to increase their giving up to a full tithe or another set goal amount. The free 27-page resource contains not only how-to guides, but also workshop outlines, sample handout materials and other materials. Everything you'll need. It's written by Eugene Grimm, one of the most respected stewardship authors today.  Click here for "Celebrate Generosity" posted on the website of the ELCA Central States Synod.


  Rick Warren: Secrets of a fruitful ministry
From Rick Warren comes an essay on how ministers and churches can get the most out of their ministries.  "The Bible doesn’t use the word 'productivity;' instead, you’ll find the word 'fruitfulness.' This week I want to show you some principles that will produce a godly fruitfulness in your life."  Click here for "Secrets of a fruitful ministry," from Warren's website, Pastors.com.


Stewardship advice is just a prayer away
"Corporately we might pray that we be good stewards, but we don't often pray about money individually.  Okay, so maybe we do when it comes to needing some, or to give thanks when God has been generous. Do you ever pray, "Lord I just got a big raise, how should it change my life?"  or, "What should I do with my income tax return this year?" Click here for this weekly column from Pastor Dana Reardon. Click here to peruse columns from her archives.

  20-Day Stewardship Devotional
Good for your stewardship committee, congregation council or general membership, here is a resource that will get your folks thinking and brainstorming about stewardship. Each Bible-based daily devotion challenges and inspires. Click here for "20-Day Stewardship Devotional," from Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City. PDF file requires Acrobat Reader. This week's Treasure Chest offering.