Restrained

Exodus 36:3-7

They still kept bringing him freewill offerings every morning, so that all the craftsmen who were doing every sort of task on the sanctuary came, each from the task that he was doing, and said to Moses, "The people bring much more than enough for doing the work that the LORD has commanded us to do." So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp, "Let no man or woman do anything more for the contribution for the sanctuary." So the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more.


This passage really hit me hard. What an awesome example of what a group of people can accomplish when they allow the Lord to stir up their hearts (Ex36:2)!

I mean, take a look: the Israelites gave of themselves so much that the had to be 'restrained'! They had given more than enough to accomplish what God was calling them to. What would this sort of sacrifice look like in modern Christianity? How do church leaders compel their communities to this point?

As a church staff member, I get a unique perspective on the needs of a community and on the people's willingness to provide. What is it about this passage that makes it personal for you?

Where Do You Draw the Line?

Over the past few months, I have had been a part of many discussions about our task, as Christians, to be compelling. I have also read an article or two describing different churches' approaches to stewardship. My thought process today, combined these two discussions and now I'm wondering: Where do you draw the line?

Would you consider it poor stewardship to pay people to come to your service, knowing that they would hear the Gospel once they were there?

What about dropping handfuls of money off the balcony in your sanctuary, once the congregants arrived?

If these seem too crass for you; would it be acceptable to shower them with free gifts so that they would attend?

What about free food?

Would paying top dollar for big name bands to fill the seats be alright?

Let's take it smaller: Should we spend cash on 'cushy' seats instead of buying food for homeless people? Is that acceptable?

Or even smaller: Do you make a greater impact for the Kingdom by printing your church materials in full color or by printing in black-and-white and using the excess to send mosquito nets to Africa?

Unless your church is printing its own money, these are all valid questions. Ultimately, you are choosing between one and the other. Admittedly, if you send the entirety of your church budget to Africa, you will not have a budget to worry about next year; but, if you keep all your cash inside your doors, it's going to be a lonely party in Heaven.

Where do you draw the line?