Random Thoughts on Church and Giving

This morning I woke up early and couldn't sleep so I started my day with Bible reading. I read the first 10 chapters of the book of Acts and reflected on how much the church today has changed. One of the top priorities of the apostles back then was to disciple others and add members to the body of Christ. It didn't matter whether they were in their region or not. They traveled to share the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and what that meant for those who believed in Him. Today it seems like some churches are more interested in adding people to their congregations. More emphasis is placed on inviting people to meet the pastor or church than to Jesus. Evangelism and discipleship was of top priority back in the day. It was about more than helping people to find salvation in Jesus Christ, but also about strengthening and equipping saved people to help others find salvation, becoming an extension of Jesus and the Apostles. In Acts the church shared with one another so that no one had need, and all were at liberty to focus on their God given calling to spread the gospel. They could focus on boldly declaring the Word and Salvation of the Lord in a hostile and unreceptive society. This is not the case today. In some places it seems like the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor. In my walk in life, I have found a lot of Christian people that are indeed saved, but don't go to church regularly. I used to wonder why they won't go to church on a regular basis and get more active. I didn't understand when they said the church isn't what it used to be. Now I kind of understand why. I'm pretty sure there are a lot of churches that make meeting the needs of the body (not just the congregation), evangelism, and discipleship a priority. Some of them I have come across. A lot of them I have not. Most put on pretty good services though. My husband shared with me our giving statement last night for how much we gave to churches and charitable institutions in 2010 so far. I wanted to fall out on the floor. Our general giving was about 70% of my old annual salary, and I have been out of work for half of the year. We only review what we gave by check not including random offerings here and there by cash. It amazed me because our giving had increased even though only one of us are working. During this entire time all of our needs have been met. I was glad that we were able to give so much, but I was kind of worried that I didn't know what resulted from most of our giving. I didn't know or see how some of the institutions were meeting the needs of people in the community let alone their congregations. I gave cheerfully and not grudgingly so I know God honored it, and I guess that's all that matters. What the institutions decide to do with the seed after we release it is between them and God. One of my priorities this year is making sure that my giving is profitable to people who are really in need, and churches that are following the pattern that God set forth in the Bible. Of course the Holy Spirit supersedes this. When God says give we give. As I move forward in church matters and giving, I pray that God allows me to remember and follow the example set by Jesus and the Apostles.