March 15, 2017
Lenten Devotions – Give Proportionately

To give in a proportional manner is our way of giving in relation to our abundance. We are to give according to our “means,” focusing not on a specific amount, but on what proportion that amount represents of our income or budget.

“If the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has – not according to what one does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:12

Jesus said that the poor would be with us always, and He declared that the priority, regardless of one’s lot in life, is to glorify God and trust Him explicitly. Whatever the situation, whatever the limitations, we are to worship and serve the Lord wholeheartedly. Just as Jesus loved without limits and gave without restriction, so are we to love and give in proportion to His provision for us.

[Paul] wrote to the Corinthians: “And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 NIV

The young churches of Macedonia were persecuted severely and were materially poor, yet spiritually they lived above the extreme conditions and excelled in giving it their all. Specifically, they gave to a ministry project that the Apostle Paul had initiated; and they gave in a most remarkable way: sacrificially, beyond their ability, willingly and eagerly – of themselves to God and of their resources to God’s work. The Law of Proportionate Provision … teaches us that God’s provision dictates the believer’s proportion. In other words, what He provides determines what we give. (Lenten Devotional Stewardship Principles, We walk together as stewards in God’s church, ELCA, 2012, February 28)

In many Lutheran churches today, pastors and church councils ask people to think in reference to proportional giving – not in giving a “specific amount”. In other words, we can decide that we are giving “X” amount to the church every week, or month, but as our income increases or decreases, does the “X” change accordingly? When we decide to give according to a percentage of our income, 2%, 3%, 5% or 10%, as our income goes up or down, then the amount changes with it. Proportional giving encourages us to give thought to our gifts rather than to allow them to become mindless, habitual repetitions. This week, as part of your Lenten Discipline, collect one stick of deodorant or one pack of razors each day and bring them to church on Sunday, March 19.

Pastor Dave