Sunday, July 24, 2005
Tomorrow is Pledge Sunday
Pledge Sunday is a sunday set aside by church (most churches practice this) so that members can commit themselves on the amount to give to God through the ministries of the church.
Why pledge? Because it is an act of faith (trust and obey). We trust God that He will give us enough to give the amount we are committed to give for the next 12 months. We act upon it beacuse we obey His commandment of being a good steward in all things, including our financial matter. This giving of money is in one way a symbolic way of saying my life too will be ann offering.
Giving is never easy. the formula of a tenth to God is an 'effective test' of obedience. When we have less, the 10% is not that big amount. When you start to have more, the 10% could a big sum. That sum could be used to buy a good MP3 player, latest handphone etc. John Wesley has a good formula on money: earn all you can, save all you can and give all you can. He lived out the principle. When he got pay rise, he gave more than 10%, he just kept what he needed and gave the rest. I can't match that honestly.
With the recent announcement of lesser percent cash payment for property, I must confess that i am so tempted to buy one for investment or for my own to stay. I know if I plunge into it, I will be financially tied down. I have ask myself foundamental questions like 'do i need to have this', 'what if God calls me to mission, will this act prevent me from obeying', 'will I be more greedy', 'will I lose the joy of things because of financial stress'. These questions lead me on to the more basic, which is my value.
Well, God, may I give with faith and joy. Amen
tse horng blogged at 3:29 AM
