I have been thinking a lot lately about what we are stewards of.  I wrote about it and talked about being what Paul calls "stewards of the mysteries of God." 

But what I see too much is our being stewards of a building or stewards of a bank account.

It occurs to me just now that my job as a pastor is not only to be a steward of what you have given to the church, but to all that we all collectively have been given by God.

What makes me think that is in our vision campaign I got a check from a widow who I know is not living on much and I was worried that she could not afford it so I called her up and asked her if she really wanted to give that much.  She said she had been praying about it and consulted her children and, yes she did want to give that much.

She seems to be operating out of a feeling of abundance even thought to me her circumstances seem meager.

But on the other hand I see some frugalities in the church that bother me.  Frugalities we don't practice in the rest of our lives.

Did you ever go to a church picnic where they had generic soda?  Somebody wants you to know that they are being good stewards.  But they probably don't drink it any other time. 

And people feel like good stewards when the church has old cast off furniture that is falling apart in the church parlors and gathering rooms.  It is cast off because no one wanted anything that looked that bad in their own houses.

I am not suggesting that we run out and refurnish our teen room or have our church picnics catered.  What I am suggesting is that we do not equate good stewardship with being cheap with God.

We ought instead to be practicing the frugalities at home and then offering our best to God.

When I have company I put out my best.  I buy flowers for the table and serve a good wine.  I make sure everything looks nice. 

One thing I have been thrilled with at St. Paul's is that the altar ladies do a wonderful job on the table and I am always pleased to stand behind that table and give thanks.

That is what we should be doing in our churches and in all parts of our churches.  So that God is honored and it is evident to visitors and they also feel honored to be with us.

We certainly do it within our means and don't squander what God has given us.  But God has given us plenty to do all the things that we are called to do.

Lord,
You have always given your best to us and what is most precious to you, even to given us your Son.  May we be as generous with you and with all to whom you have sent us.
Amen