This season brings us to a dynamic convergence of challenges for our faith. We have all been challenged from the outset of the new year by the theme of Give/Thrive, our Stewardship Focus based upon St. Paul’s “exhortation “Just as you excel {thrive} in everything….. see that you also excel {thrive} in this grace of giving.” (II Corinthians 8:7).
The challenge was not so much about the practical matters of giving but the deeper spiritual reservoir of the heart out of which generosity flows. This is the place in which we find and choose our “security,” adopt God’s perspective on managing His blessings, and work out the challenges of being faithful. Thus, the focus is on growing in our faith, while the practical matters of where, when and how we give, church budgets, etc. we leave up to God to work out within our faith family.
As we enter the upcoming season of Lent, one of the traditional elements of focus is upon prayer and study. In fact, this focus even pre-dates the popular concept of “giving something up” for Lent, harkening back to the earliest days of the church. The Lenten season was the period prior to Easter when new converts were immersed in the Scriptures and beliefs of the church as they readied themselves for an Easter baptism. Our opportunities to study the Scriptures take center stage in worship, Bible studies, classes, etc. We recall the exhortation of St. Paul, once again: “Study to show yourself approved, a workman who doesn‟t need to be ashamed, who correctly handles the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15).
What a fantastic time to examine and live out two very powerful and very practical components of our faith – generosity and a living knowledge of the Scriptures. I trust you sense not a burdensome obligation, but these twin opportunities to deepen your life of faith, so that you may be strengthened as a follower of Jesus. These challenges are at once, simple yet profound. My hope is that our entire congregation might find the invitation to take up these challenges compel-ling and rewarding. May we come together in these matters as we aspire to be a collection of simple, faithful followers of Jesus, yet powerfully used by God for his purposes in New Iberia and the world!!
