Praying with Scrooge
Theme of the Week: The Gift of Generosity
Sunday, December 7, 2003
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Key Bible Verse: If your wealth increases, don't make it the center of your life (Psalm 62:10). Bonus Reading:Mark 10:23-27
Bruce Larson tells about a wealthy man who came into his office when he pastored a Seattle church. Bruce had been speaking about tithing, saying that the first way to get yourself freed up and properly prioritized is to give 10 percent of what you make to God's kingdom as an act of faith and love. Bruce even cited research that demonstrated that people who are givers are happier, live longer, and manage money more responsibly.
During Bruce's conversation with the church member, the man said, "You've been talking a lot about tithing. I'm definitely listening and growing as a Christian, but Bruce, I make a ton of money. I can't possibly tithe. That would be a huge chunk of cash!"
Bruce asked the man if he wanted to pray about it. The man agreed and in an out-loud prayer asked for God's guidance about giving. Bruce prayed next, "God, help my dear brother here to earn less money this coming year so that he can afford to tithe."
This man's rationalizing seems absurd. Yet in our own ways we affirm greed, and develop our own excuses for our sinful behavior.
—Randy Rowland in Sins We Love
Adapted from Sins We Love (Doubleday, 2000) by permission.
Copyright © 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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Lord, make me a manager to whom You can confidently entrust Your resources.
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