Giving means thinking positively

“Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times.” (Ephesians 5:16 The Message)

Tax time has passed. Aside from the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, it can be one of the most stressful times of the year for many people. For many it means paying at least a bit more to pay that bill in full. Still others are excited to finish the task because they’ve been planning and looking forward to the “gift” they’re receiving with their refund.

The number one reason for marital breakdown is financial conflict. Therefore, tax time is also the time to take extra care in your relationships as you review receipts, checkbooks, and 1040 forms.

Even if you didn’t lose your job in the recession, chances are you’re worried about the economy and how it may affect you and those you love. What about your church? How are those in your church weathering the financial storm of the last few years? Has the recession provided new opportunities for spiritual growth and ministry? Or, has it encouraged conflict and “blaming” to run rampant in meetings and parking lot conversations?

Remember that when finances are tight, tempers tend to be short. How can we be care-full in our ministry? Let’s remember that the primary mission of the church is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

Perhaps in these difficult times, we might do as Paul instructed the Ephesians to “make the most of every chance we get” to live the love that is ours through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These are “desperate times,” so let’s outdo one another in love when we’re tempted to give in to the “crabby bug.” Pastors and leaders can only work with the resources at hand. Whether you still have a well-paying job, you’re unemployed, retired, or you’ve settled for a lesser-paying job, together let’s find a way to give our time, talent, and treasures to say “THANK YOU” to God for the blessings we’ve received.

--adapted from WI ann conf newsletter

God Is Still In Control!

Miss Lladale Carey
Web Producer
http://www.umcgiving.org/
United Methodist Communications
lcarey@umcom.org

To Learn how you can be good stewards in the United Methodsit Church, click here.