I was reading on a church website today that the church was growing and adding a fourth service. At first thought, it sounded impressive. Wow, 4 services. That church must be doing good things for it to be growing like that. But then it got me thinking. Just because a church is growing, does that mean it is a "good" church. What I mean by "good"--Is the church honestly teaching Truth? Is the church teaching the redemptive story of Christ? Is the church teaching the entirety of the Gospel?
I'll preface this next part with saying that I think I'm often a skeptic when it comes to issues of the church. In any case, I get concerned when I see a church growing so fast and then peek into what the church is teaching and it's just self-help messages. Our society thrives on ways to make us feel better here on earth. So of course, you can pick and choose verses from the Bible that can sound like tips for better living and improved happiness for here on Earth. But paraphrasing Tim Keller, Christian Hope isn't about our happiness here on Earth, but about our ultimate, eternal state. While I'm not suggesting that we should be unhappy and miserable as Christians here on Earth, I do think we need to evaluate the types of messages churches are preaching. We can't pick and choose what makes us feel good, but rather, we have to accept the Bible in its entirety. Being made aware of our sinful nature, being called to live needing and wanting less, giving all that we have (our money, our time, our talents) to Christ (it is His to begin with, after all)--all these things and more can be hard. At times we can feel out of place and unwelcomed in society when we live according to the call of Christ.
Now if I see a church teaching the entirety of the Bible and it's growing in leaps and bounds--now that's something to stand in awe of!
Just something I was contemplating today...
Thoughts?
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Opinion Wanted: Tithing
Okay friends (and all of you unidentified readers). It's time to give me your opinion. Here's the topic: tithing.
I've become more and more convicted lately that tithing should not only be 10% of your income, but 10% of your Gross income. Yeah, Gross Income. I know that seems like a lot of money sometimes, but here's my reasoning. It's all God's money. Not just 10% of it, but 100% of it. Ultimately, he could decide to take it away whenever he wishes. We are just stewards or managers of his money. So, I think we should look at it as God giving us 90% of his money rather than us giving God 10% of his money. Besides, when it comes down to it, I think that we're all pretty careless in our spending. Sure, there are situations when people have trouble making ends meet and giving 10% of take home pay, let alone Gross pay, seems impossible. But I think that's when we need to fully submit to Christ and trust that He will provide for our every need.
Anyways, I'd like to hear what you all have to say. Even if it's disagreeing with me. I think it's utterly important to constantly be dialoguing about these sort of topics as we, as Christians, walk in faith. We often avoid the controversial topics because we don't want to offend others, but really, talking about them is the only way to continue to grow and learn. So tell me your thoughts. Do you thinking tithing is 10% of your take home pay? 10% of your Gross income? Or just what you "think" you can give? (I put this in quotes because honestly we can always give more than we really think we can).
I expect responses, ya'll.... :)
I've become more and more convicted lately that tithing should not only be 10% of your income, but 10% of your Gross income. Yeah, Gross Income. I know that seems like a lot of money sometimes, but here's my reasoning. It's all God's money. Not just 10% of it, but 100% of it. Ultimately, he could decide to take it away whenever he wishes. We are just stewards or managers of his money. So, I think we should look at it as God giving us 90% of his money rather than us giving God 10% of his money. Besides, when it comes down to it, I think that we're all pretty careless in our spending. Sure, there are situations when people have trouble making ends meet and giving 10% of take home pay, let alone Gross pay, seems impossible. But I think that's when we need to fully submit to Christ and trust that He will provide for our every need.
Anyways, I'd like to hear what you all have to say. Even if it's disagreeing with me. I think it's utterly important to constantly be dialoguing about these sort of topics as we, as Christians, walk in faith. We often avoid the controversial topics because we don't want to offend others, but really, talking about them is the only way to continue to grow and learn. So tell me your thoughts. Do you thinking tithing is 10% of your take home pay? 10% of your Gross income? Or just what you "think" you can give? (I put this in quotes because honestly we can always give more than we really think we can).
I expect responses, ya'll.... :)
Sunday, June 29, 2008
It just never stops...
...my mind that is. So much constantly going on... Here are thoughts that are typically in constant rotation in my mind:
1. My current job. How can I improve the process on my project, better partnership with other areas, better the product, become more relevant to consumers, etc., etc., etc.
2. My future, careerwise. What can I do to improve skills? What skills do I still need to learn? Where do I want my career to go in the next year or two, in the next 5 years, in the next 10 years, etc., etc., etc.
3. Running. How do I make myself a better runner. What can I do to cut time, run longer, build strength, build endurance, etc. Is running something I really want to keep pursuing? Is my body really cut out to withstand the constant pounding on my knees, legs, and ankles? Should I take up a sport that's not as strenuous and demanding on my joints? (Do I sound old?)
4. Location, Ohio. I miss my family. I miss my friends. I miss Ohio. I miss all that's familiar.
5. Location, Florida. I love the life that God's given me here. I love my friends and I love the incredible experiences I've had here. What fantastic memories I've already created and yet to create.
6. Photography. I'm so excited to be doing something I love again. I can't wait to get my camera in my hands and keep creating.
7. Relationships, past and future. I don't even know where to start thinking about this. It's so weird how past relationships continue to affect me to do this day. I suppose that's true about any past experience--it molds you into who you are today. It's strange because I hear of so many of my close friends getting engaged and married and yet, I feel so young. Certainly, there are days when I think "Gosh, why can't I just meet the man of my dream, fall in love, and get married tomorrow?" But then I realize that I'm a mere 23 years old. I don't know what I want to do with the rest of my life let alone who I want to be with the rest of my life. The responsibility of taking care of myself seems overwhelming some days--how the heck am I supposed to take care of a husband and possibly kids someday (that's a whooooole different story. The idea of kids scares the CRAP out of me. Never been one of those girls who longs for children and dreams of being a mom. I want a family of my own someday, but it does certainly scare me). Anyhow, I think I'm getting to the point where I'm ready to "settle down" (sidenote, I hate that term...I want my life to constantly be an adventure regardless of marital status--I'll never be ready to settle down--better just find a guy who can keep up!! :) ). I digress--I'm getting to the point where I'm ready to make room in my life for somebody, but just not sure if I'm there yet. Lots of evaluating to do. So as you can see, this one takes up a LOT of my time...and is likely at the center of a ot of my prayers.
8. Music. As the Jonas brothers would say "it's in my soul." (Don't judge me for quoting them...thanks). I wish I could communicate with people through songs. I wish I could just use lyrics and music to express the way I feel. Or maybe I should make this more general--art. I love the way art express emotions. Give me a day full of music and photography and you've just made me the happiest girl on earth. The emotion created between the two...love it.
9. Social Injustice. I know, heavy topic--likely one that will garner it's on post in upcoming days. But it's on my mind a lot. Why is there poverty? Why is there crime? Why is there abuse? Why are there homeless? Why are there orphans? How do we break the cycle? How do we help? What would Jesus do? What is our responsibilities as Christ followers? Where do you even begin to start? How do you make it seem less overwhelming so you can find a place to start? What makes me any more deserving of a nice home, a nice car, etc. than anyone else? Can we really blame this on a "luck of the draw"? Because I was born into a certain social class then I don't have to worry about others?--That's one question I know the answer to--absolutely not! Anyhow. You can see this weighs heavy on both my heart and mind...constantly.
10. Church, religion, theology. Am I where God wants me to be? Am I doing what God wants me to do? Am I honoring him in all I do? Waht can I do to further Christ's kingdom? How can I become more involved in the church with my already crazy schedule? Am I at the right church? Where are can my spiritual gifts best be utilized? Heck. What are my spiritual gifts? Why do we fight about religion? Why are countries and cultures torn apart over it? Is our world in a moral decline or becoming more aware of Christ's call and Christ's desire for us?
11. Politics. I hate them. I hate what they do to a nation. I hate how they pull us apart. I hate how they pit people against each other. I hate the put labels on things. I hate it all. Can't we just make wise decisions. Can't we just love people? Ugh...I just hate politics. I have no desire to vote, but I know I need to. But I hate it all...hate it.
12. Traveling/Adventure. I wish I could spend my life traveling and discovering the world. I feel like God's created the Earth for us to enjoy and I want to see every inch of his creation. I want to capture the memories with my camera...I want to see it all....someday, someday.
Okay, there's so much more, but as you can see, my mind never ever ever stops. Ridiculousness. But right now what's on my mind? OHIO...3 days until I peace out!
1. My current job. How can I improve the process on my project, better partnership with other areas, better the product, become more relevant to consumers, etc., etc., etc.
2. My future, careerwise. What can I do to improve skills? What skills do I still need to learn? Where do I want my career to go in the next year or two, in the next 5 years, in the next 10 years, etc., etc., etc.
3. Running. How do I make myself a better runner. What can I do to cut time, run longer, build strength, build endurance, etc. Is running something I really want to keep pursuing? Is my body really cut out to withstand the constant pounding on my knees, legs, and ankles? Should I take up a sport that's not as strenuous and demanding on my joints? (Do I sound old?)
4. Location, Ohio. I miss my family. I miss my friends. I miss Ohio. I miss all that's familiar.
5. Location, Florida. I love the life that God's given me here. I love my friends and I love the incredible experiences I've had here. What fantastic memories I've already created and yet to create.
6. Photography. I'm so excited to be doing something I love again. I can't wait to get my camera in my hands and keep creating.
7. Relationships, past and future. I don't even know where to start thinking about this. It's so weird how past relationships continue to affect me to do this day. I suppose that's true about any past experience--it molds you into who you are today. It's strange because I hear of so many of my close friends getting engaged and married and yet, I feel so young. Certainly, there are days when I think "Gosh, why can't I just meet the man of my dream, fall in love, and get married tomorrow?" But then I realize that I'm a mere 23 years old. I don't know what I want to do with the rest of my life let alone who I want to be with the rest of my life. The responsibility of taking care of myself seems overwhelming some days--how the heck am I supposed to take care of a husband and possibly kids someday (that's a whooooole different story. The idea of kids scares the CRAP out of me. Never been one of those girls who longs for children and dreams of being a mom. I want a family of my own someday, but it does certainly scare me). Anyhow, I think I'm getting to the point where I'm ready to "settle down" (sidenote, I hate that term...I want my life to constantly be an adventure regardless of marital status--I'll never be ready to settle down--better just find a guy who can keep up!! :) ). I digress--I'm getting to the point where I'm ready to make room in my life for somebody, but just not sure if I'm there yet. Lots of evaluating to do. So as you can see, this one takes up a LOT of my time...and is likely at the center of a ot of my prayers.
8. Music. As the Jonas brothers would say "it's in my soul." (Don't judge me for quoting them...thanks). I wish I could communicate with people through songs. I wish I could just use lyrics and music to express the way I feel. Or maybe I should make this more general--art. I love the way art express emotions. Give me a day full of music and photography and you've just made me the happiest girl on earth. The emotion created between the two...love it.
9. Social Injustice. I know, heavy topic--likely one that will garner it's on post in upcoming days. But it's on my mind a lot. Why is there poverty? Why is there crime? Why is there abuse? Why are there homeless? Why are there orphans? How do we break the cycle? How do we help? What would Jesus do? What is our responsibilities as Christ followers? Where do you even begin to start? How do you make it seem less overwhelming so you can find a place to start? What makes me any more deserving of a nice home, a nice car, etc. than anyone else? Can we really blame this on a "luck of the draw"? Because I was born into a certain social class then I don't have to worry about others?--That's one question I know the answer to--absolutely not! Anyhow. You can see this weighs heavy on both my heart and mind...constantly.
10. Church, religion, theology. Am I where God wants me to be? Am I doing what God wants me to do? Am I honoring him in all I do? Waht can I do to further Christ's kingdom? How can I become more involved in the church with my already crazy schedule? Am I at the right church? Where are can my spiritual gifts best be utilized? Heck. What are my spiritual gifts? Why do we fight about religion? Why are countries and cultures torn apart over it? Is our world in a moral decline or becoming more aware of Christ's call and Christ's desire for us?
11. Politics. I hate them. I hate what they do to a nation. I hate how they pull us apart. I hate how they pit people against each other. I hate the put labels on things. I hate it all. Can't we just make wise decisions. Can't we just love people? Ugh...I just hate politics. I have no desire to vote, but I know I need to. But I hate it all...hate it.
12. Traveling/Adventure. I wish I could spend my life traveling and discovering the world. I feel like God's created the Earth for us to enjoy and I want to see every inch of his creation. I want to capture the memories with my camera...I want to see it all....someday, someday.
Okay, there's so much more, but as you can see, my mind never ever ever stops. Ridiculousness. But right now what's on my mind? OHIO...3 days until I peace out!
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