Generosity: Rev. Jim Pledger

In Jo Anne Lyon’s book, Ultimate Blessing, she points to several of Jesus’ illustrations about how the Kingdom of God works. These are agricultural illustrations involving the planting of seeds. Seeds are very small compared to what the seed produces. Also, we sow a lot of seeds because we have learned from another parables that some seeds just don’t come up and produce. We know that seeds take a long time to mature and we can’t see any signs of the seeds success, yet we work to plant knowing all these things because we have a hope that those that do grow will provide an abundant harvest.

Stewardship is like planting a crop of seeds. Some people have an abundance to plant trying to ensure a fruitful crop. Others have fewer seeds but they plant them with love and nurture them. Either way, we have to trust God to provide the seat needed – water and sunshine. All of us have gifts. Some have what society deems valuable gifts like financial resources. When those who have a lot give all they can, it increase the possibility of launching new ministries. But those that have few financial resources can give as they are able and often the results of their gifts do as much or more than the larger donations. For example, the Sunday school teacher who faithfully teaches his or her students. Perhaps the teacher does not have a gift for teaching but has a lot of sincerity and dedication. Some students might become inspired to grow up to do great things for others all because of that teacher.

At the conclusion of every finance drive I have ever done I was faced with the same problem: our needs exceeded our pledge amounts. The problem is always the same. Persons who were unable to make a gift that they felt would be significant would simply not pledge. However, if every person who did not pledge what they can actually did pledge, than the goal would probably be reached. Being generous in our giving whether it is money, time or talent isn’t about the size of the gift but if the gift represents a sacrifice. You and I make a small miracle possible by our gifts. God then takes our small miracle and can make a great one out of it. Give and make a miracle happen.