Trusting the UNCHANGING GOD
in CHANGING TIMES
A
T THE 2008 GENERAL ASSEMBLY, I felt impressed of the give less than 3 percent of their income (source: Empty Tomb,
Lord to lead the Church of God using the theme Forward Inc., Champaign, Ill., 2007).
Together in Changing Times, emphasizing three key initia- • It has been estimated that if Christians had given 10 percent of
tives: Prayer, the Great Commission, and a Quest for Trust. their income in 2008, there would have been at least an addi-
A key component in successfully completing these initiatives is tional $170 billion to reach the world for Christ.
the proper stewardship of our resources. I firmly believe that, as Some of these statistics point to the fact that people are reduc-
Paul wrote, “My God shall supply all your need according to his ing their contributions to the church. It’s not that our people don’t
riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). want to give; it’s that our people are so burdened with fear, uncer-
Lately we hear something about the world’s economic woes in tainty, or debt they feel they can’t give. But what does our
the news every day. The stock market goes up and down, making unchanging God expect of us during these changing times? Fol-
millionaires of some and paupers of others. The rising and falling lowing are some key biblical principles we should keep in mind.
of the world’s oil prices are reflected daily in the pump prices we
have to pay. We are also acutely aware of the problems banks, sav-
God Owns All the Wealth in the World
ings and loan institutions, and automakers are experiencing. Psalm 24:1-2 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness
Unfortunately, these economic woes have also affected the thereof; the world and all they that dwell therein.” The New
Church—from the local level to the worldwide ministries of the International Version states it this way: “The earth is the Lord’s,
Church of God. and everything in it.” Everything we have, God has given to us.
Let me share a few statistics with you: We are just stewards of it. To be a good steward means that we
• According to The Wall Street Journal, nearly 70 percent of all are accountable to God for 100 percent of what He gives us, not
consumers live from paycheck to paycheck. just the 10 percent tithe that He requires. Faithfully paying the
• The average American is spending $1.22 for every dollar they tithe and giving in offerings is an acknowledgment on our part
earn. that what we have He has given us and that we are willing to
• 45 percent of American credit card holders make only the min- trust Him to take care of our needs with the remainder.
imum monthly payment on their debt. Paul says: “Command those who are rich in this present
• It is estimated that in 2009, more people will file for bankrupt- world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which
cy than will graduate from college. is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly pro-
• The number one cause of divorce in North America today is vides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to
conflict over money and its management. do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and will-
• According to The Barna Group, only 5 percent of Americans ing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves
give a tenth of their income week in and week out. as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take
• Studies have shown that, on average, evangelical Christians hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19, NIV).
6 EVANGEL • MAR 2009
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