How Far Does Your Money Go?

Often we talk about "making ends meet," "stretching the dollar," or "getting the most for our money". When we speak this way, we’re usually concerned with the sensible use of our buying power and the balance between our income and our spending. We’re referring to covering our general expenses and basic household necessities for ourselves and our family. It’s related to our own needs and lifestyle.

But there is another kind of spending that is very different and far reaching. This is our contribution to our church and to those in need. It should be a significant enough share of our wealth so that we have to give up something in order to make our gift.

The biggest problem we face is how to divide our money between the spiritual and material aspects of life. No matter how small our income, the task before us is how to divide it proportionately between our own needs and the needs of the church community.

One of the greatest joys we have is that God allows us the privilege of steering our offering into places we think God wants it used. Through our contributions, we are directly in ministry. How far does this money go? We’ll never know how many people it touches or what the ripple effect will be. But what a blessing to be part of something so big and so wonderful! May you be so truly blessed!

Dennis and Mary Smith, Stewardship Adapted from Parish Publications