I think I shared this with the Congregation in a sermon not long ago. (But then, my recall isn’t so great anymore).
It happened at a congregation I served 40 some years ago in Baltimore. For a few months the devotional time at monthly council meetings had focused on THE STEWARDSHIP OF MONEY. On this night I was in for a SURPRISE.
Burton R., a city surveyor said, “As a personal witness, I want to tell you that my wife and I have decided to GIVE THE TITHE (10%) OF OUR DISPOSABLE INCOME (after taxes.) WE FIGURE THAT BELONGS TO GOD.” Ralph B., electrical engineer said, “GREAT, BURT! BUT THE OTHER 90% BELONGS TO GOD, TOO!” There was this DEAFENING silence. Then, John H., lawyer, spoke up: “TRUE! BUT GIVING THE TITHE SHOWS THAT HE KNOWS.
The Pastor, for a change, KEPT QUIET, but in his heart THANKED GOD THAT HE WAS IN THE COMPANY OF SUCH SPIRITUALLY PERCEPTIVE AND SENSITIVE LAYMEN.
AS I RECALL THAT NIGHT, I THOUGHT: WHAT I GIVE SHOWS SOMETHING. BUT WHAT? CHRIST GAVE HIMSELF UPON THE CROSS TO PAIN, AGONY, HUMILIATION AND DYING. THAT SHOWED HIS OBEDIENCE TO THE FATHER’S WILL… AND HIS LOVE FOR YOU AND ME.
I/YOU GIVE $______, WHAT DOES THAT SHOW?