Wednesday, November 8, 2017

THERE’S A CATCH TO IT

A denominational expert on stewardship visited a small country church and gave the

congregation the full treatment in terms of what the Bible says about giving. After he

had finished his lengthy presentation, he asked if there were any questions. At first there

was just silence. Finally an elderly farmer stood up and said, “There’s a catch to it.”

“No,” said the expert. “Everything I shared with you is biblical and above board.” “Yes,”

said the farmer, “but there’s a catch to it. If we go along with this plan we’re going to

have to pledge more and give more than we intend to.”

Unless one’s heart belongs to Christ, giving is a grim duty. But when one’s heart is full

of gratitude to Christ, giving is a holy privilege and is done cheerfully. As the Bible

declares, “God loves a cheerful giver” (II Cor. 9:7)