A Couple Thoughts and Another Paper...This is how I Spend My Time!

Working as a valet at an expensive condo has given me an appreciation for some of the better things of life (not that I will ever participate in most of them). I have found that Luxary cars are seriously much better than cheap ones (though the features of heated seats, a great steering radius, and the really nice fake-wood steering wheels are hardly worth $30,000+ more for something to get you from point A to B).

In taking up people's groceries (I work in a 21 floor building), I have often noticed that many of them have fresh, seasonal flowers. The flowers are pretty, they generally smell good, and they add a "homey" touch to the environment when put in a vase. The flowers last about a week (I'd assume, not being an expert on flowers) and only cost $4-$10. I personally think that this is a nice touch and one that I hope that my future wife (should she exist) will partake in. Is this just a waste of money? I personally don't think so. I don't think that our houses need to be trash heaps that smell like B.O. Flowers can help.

Here's my interlude between my two thoughts. I'm writing another paper (I'm not sure how many this is on the semester, but its far too many, and this isn't my last one). This paper is on the Epistle of James. I personally think that this book may be the most underrated, forgotten and misunderstood gem of the New Testament (except maybe preaching relevant, applicational sermons from Revelation). The book of James is usually seen as the Proverbs of the New Testament. A lot of people have called it a 'string of pearls,' believing there is little if any theme to James. Even Martin Luther didn't like it. However, thanks to recent scholarship (especially Peter Davids) many have seen that James is a unified book. The theme? James is seeking solidarity and unity in the community of Christ, emphasizing real, practical faith. This is a message very necessary for the modern/postmodern church in the West! Though James is not often explicit in central Christian themes (Deity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith alone, amillenialism...oh wait, that's not central), these themes clearly underlie the letter. I hope that my paper will show this.

My final thought comes from weeks ago. In Ministry of Leadership class we had a discussion on what you would do (as a pastor) if you had a rich person in your congregation--and his mere tithe (10%) would be more than 20% or so of your church's budget. This question was sprung on us in class, so I didn't really have time to think through my answer until after class as I rode home with Uche, but the class seemed to think that this congregant (or any) should not give any more than 10% of your budget, and that he should give the rest to a missions organization, or something like that.

I personally disagree. I think as the pastor I would rejoice. Praise God for His provision! While it may be argued that his/her giving may cause others to feel that they don't have a need to give, or it may cause people to feel a reliance upon this one person, or that this person is special and should get his/her way in the church, I think this is flawed, anti-New Testament thinking. We should be willing and able to teach are congregants to think differently. It is not how much you give, but that you give as God directs you (2 Cor. 8-9). The church must also know that while you have this blessing it is to be used, for God is giving it. Should God take it away, then you may have to stop some of the programs/organizations you are giving to. The Lord gives for ministry, and the Lord takes away. We are to be wise and obedient. And this person, as well as the congregation and leadership, must realize that money doesn't speak in the New Covenant. This person is not to get special treatment, but rather is just another brother/sister in Christ. This person has been clearly given the gift of giving. Thus, he/she should be allowed to give radically.

I personally think to ask this person to give somewhere else is an attempt at avoiding confrontation. I also think that you, as the pastor, will have to answer to God as to why you did not use His financial blessing when He supplied it. I've searched my heart, and from what I can tell, my motives are pure on this one--I'm not after the money (and I personally doubt that I will ever deal with this where I hope to pastor!). This can be a great opportunity for sanctification and learning in the church. Also, I would hope that someone pulling in 7 or more figures isn't only giving 10%. I'm not going to make stipulations, but nobody needs $6 million a year to live. Be radical. Give to the church. Give to missions.
What would you do?

And here's a bonus thought: "Cousins is cousins, all the way down the line." (You don't want to know).