IT ALL BELONGS TO GOD
“Riches and honor come from you…. All things come from you, and of your own have we given you…. O Lord our God, all this abundance [that we give back to you] comes from your hand and is all your own.” (1 Chronicles 29:12,14,16)
On Sunday, I told the story about a talk given by the late Catholic Archbishop Thomas Murphy. He was sharing some of his thoughts about Christian stewardship and said something like this: “Whenever someone tells me that they tithe (give 10% of their income to the church), I ask them, ‘What do you do with the other 90%?'”
That question really made me think about all of my money and all of my blessings. I began tithing when I was about 12 years old. I gave 10% of my paper route money to my church and have kept up the practice of tithing for most of the rest of my life. However, when I was younger, I figured that once I gave the church 10%, the other 90% was up to me to do as I pleased. After hearing the late Archbishop’s question, I began more seriously considering what I do with the rest of my money. I began to prayerfully consider questions, such as:
- Am I being generous with all the rest?
- Is God pleased with how I spend and save money?
- Am I putting enough aside for retirement?
- Does my personal monthly budget truly reflect my faith and what I believe are my values?
- As I update my will, can I put aside a portion for the church or a particular ministry?
These are just a few of the questions that went through my mind as I prayed and thought about all of my blessings.
During the past few months, I have been praying another prayer: the campaign prayer for Maika’i Hana Hou, our capital campaign. As I have journeyed through this time of prayer, I have decided to make a considerable gift to the campaign: more than I have ever given any church or organization. I already wrote a check for most of it and am committed to an additional amount over the next three years. I am sometimes surprised at what happens through prayer…what I end up doing that I didn’t know I was capable of doing…how I can feel so connected to a community of faith…how I can trust God…be generous…and find tremendous joy! (I don’t know why I am surprised that I feel so joyful in being generous, since generosity seems to be the one thing that practically guarantees joy!)
I hope you will discover some of these same things as you continue to pray for the success of Maika’i Hana Hou, and what your role might be in it; then come to church on May 17 to make your commitment; and be sure to stay for the appreciation luncheon at the parsonage afterwards!
Campaign Prayer
O God, we ask for your blessing on our capital campaign.
Thank you for all that Kōloa Union Church means to me and our community. (Be sure to be specific and mention some of these blessings by name.)
What do you want to do through me to accomplish your will during this important time for Kōloa Union Church?
Kahu Alan Akana
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