March 16, 2017
Lenten Devotions – Commit Intentionally

Commit intentionally means making a statement about your intent and following through. As members in the body of Christ, we are asked to make a commitment of our time, talents, and resources as a faithful response to God and as a statement of support for God’s work.

“… arrange in advance for this bountiful gift that you have promised.” 2 Corinthians 9:5

“You are the God who works wonders; you have displayed your might among the peoples. With your strong arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Psalm 77:14-15

Each one of us must choose and keep choosing the master we will serve – God or wealth (mammon). In The Challenge of the Discipline Life, Richard Foster deals with the power of mammon – money. It is not neutral; it has power to control and corrupt the creatures of God. He states:

“What all this talk about stewardship fails to see is that money is not just a neutral medium of exchange but a “power” with a life of its own. And very often it is a “power” that is demonic in character. As long as we think of money in impersonal terms alone, no moral problems exist aside from the proper use of it. But when we begin to take seriously the Biblical perspective that money is animated and energized by “powers” then our relationship to money is filled with moral consequences” (page 24).

Our relationship to money is what concerns God. Whom do we worship? What do we worship?15 Money has incredible power to do good or evil. We believe that the power can be harnessed for good – to fulfill Jesus’ mission” (Lenten Devotional Stewardship Principles, We walk together as stewards in God’s church, ELCA, 2012, February 29)

“… arrange in advance for this bountiful gift that you have promised.”
(2 Corinthians 9:5) When we discern how we might commit to saving money, commit to an exercise regimen, or commit to giving abundantly and sacrificially of our time, talents or resources, our success in persevering often depends on our intentionality. In other words, we must consider this question: “Are we committed to being intentional – doing it every day, every week, and every month?” As Paul says in 2 Corinthians, we will have more success if we choose to arrange in advance – to plan ahead – and then stick to the plan. It is more difficult to provide ministries to the community if our congregation does not make out a plan, seek volunteers ahead of time, or get commitments for crucial aspects of the ministry. And to be able to provide the kinds of ministries our community needs takes the commitment of many volunteers – intentional commitment of time. This Lent, look for ways you can commit more time to the ministry of your church – and when you find the time, be intentional with your commitment.

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