Corporate Identity
If we thought 2008 was a tough year in ministry (and for me, it truly was), look at the world economy in 2009! Trillions of dollars in equity has evaporated in our country alone. Every day, thousands are laid off from their once secure-looking jobs. According to recent reports, even communist China has had to send workers home – how is that possible? Home foreclosures in our own area set new records each month. Let’s face it kids, we’re in the weeds!
Our church families are not immune – and our churches are not immune. Many of you are having to deal with budget issues that would have been difficult to foresee even a short two years ago. Some of our properties are in genuine need of repairs that are not going to happen anytime soon, and I’m not aware of any of us who would have chosen to be where we are financially while at the same time we are called to help expand the Kingdom of God. It is getting akin to another famous Bible account — making bricks without straw!
As I reflect on where we are and how we got here (can you say “greed” or “entitlement?”), I am reminded that our corporate logo – the cross – is an emblem of suffering, shame and death. Perhaps we are too prone to shine it up, wear it and display it with pride in the good times. Jesus himself promised such delights as “if they did it to me, they’ll do it to you” (and you remember what they did to him, yes?) and “in this world, you WILL (not “you might”) have trouble!” Two houses experienced a storm, and on and on. What should we be thinking and preaching? In a word, I believe it’s FAITH!
What are some of the manifestations of faith? Confident expectation (according to Hebrews 11) along with the step-sisters of generosity and joy. Some will learn through this economic downturn the power of living well within one’s means. Some will quit praying that great Southern Californian-inspired prayer: “Lord, please provide enough for me to afford to live the lifestyle I’m already living!” Some will learn the joy of being able to bless others out of their abundance because they chose to live counter-culturally (sacrificially) before this cataclysmic time ever arrived. A good definition of abundance is . . . having enough to meet your needs (I believe Jesus said something about them being measured out ‘daily’) and some left over for others. What a wonderful thought! And it was Jesus himself who said, “the size of the measurement you use to give, will be the size of measurement used to give back to you.” All of us may be experiencing the shrinking of our measuring cups in some form, but this truly is an opportunity to demonstrate REAL generosity by giving out of our lack, not out of our abundance. As the old and faded bumper sticker says, “If you love Jesus, tithe! Anyone can honk.”
