Budgets, Committees, and Giving!

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all contentment in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written, "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Is it just me or is this the time in the life of a church that many people dread? It is the time when we as a congregation have to make hard decisions regarding the budget and others have to make hard decisions concerning whether they will serve on a particular committee. I believe that Paul's words above should guide us and have implications not only for individuals but also for us as a church as well. Paul says, "The point is this:" (don't you love it when it is so clear? Or in this case would we rather it not be so clear?) "whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." It does not get much more clear than that. Paul in this context is exhorting the Corinthians to give monetarily to support the Christians who were in Jerusalem.

I believe that the application of this can be enlarged to not only be speaking of money but time, and gifts and abilities. Hence the title of this post...Budgets, Committees and Giving! Notice that Paul lists some reasons to give.
v. 6 Giving will result in a return
v. 7 God loves a cheerful giver
v.8-10 God has given freely to you v.11 God will bless you
v. 12 Your giving brings Glory to God

Will you pray, and consider how you can be used by God this year at Grace Baptist Church? For some, this means you need to join so that you can be involved. For others this means that you need to prayerfully consider how you can serve. May God be glorified in you. And remember: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."