This Sunday at Peace

Scripture: Luke 14:25-33

a note from Holly

Luke talks about possessions more than the other gospel writers; but it’s not always straightforward. As scholar Luke Timothy Johnson wrote, “although Luke consistently speaks about possessions he does not speak about possessions consistently.”

There is a range in his direction to the disciples—from a total divestment of possessions to using your possessions to care for the poor and to extend hospitality to missionaries.

In other words, you got options.

Of all the things I learned in Sunday School, this was the most helpful: there is a thoughtful, careful way to think about the stuff we acquire.

Priorities.

We’re in our annual stewardship season. Some years ago, we tried to re-name it an Intentional Living/Giving season. That’s a mouthful. But, the sentiment is on target.

Intentional. Thoughtful. Proactive.

I’m a more generous person because my life has been shaped by the annual practice of deciding what I will “pledge”—not just to church, but to other causes I support. If you think carefully about the 10%  (or 2%, 4%….) you “give away,” you can’t help but be a better manager of the 100% that comes in and out of your hands.

Thankful, as ever, for this wise, generous community that truly encourages and inspires,

Holly