Stuff About Things
This little article is entitled, "How to Give, And Not Even Notice It, -- Much -- Hardly." It's easy, almost.
It came to me when I noticed how much more shoes cost at $ 25. than a rifle scope did at $ 33. That set me to thinking -- and there's no telling what will come next.
If I could just love the Lord, and the work He wants done, as I loved that rifle scope -- or somewhere close to that much, not to be a fanatic -- I could give $ 20, or maybe even $ 25. for His cause, and wouldn't hardly even notice it -- much.
Or take house payments as an example. Each month I dutifully write out a check -- making certain "that much" is in there to cover it -- and put it in the mail. I don't even count that money as mine -- it has to go, no matter what else I need or want -- so if I am saving for a new rifle the house money doesn't enter the picture. Now suppose, just suppose, I planned my support of the Lord's work that way? When I determine what my income will be, I set aside a certain amount for the Lord's work -- as something that has to go, no matter what else I have to do. I would then plan the rest of my expenditures accordingly: buying or renting in a bracket I could afford with what was left. Soon my life would fit into this mold, and I would squeeze the new riflescope out of this budget. (Maybe I could cut down some on the wife's shoes.)
This thing has amazing possibilities. Suppose all wage earners in a local church would adopt my plan. 0l' Bill loves his fishing tackle almost as much as I love my rifles. And Joe takes his fancy boat payment out of his income before he gives Pam any grocery money. Even Aunt Kit cuts her snuff money out of the social security check before she does anything else. Wonder what we could do if all of us loved the Lord and His work more than anything else in the world?
Do you suppose this is what the Lord had in mind when he said, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take no thought (be not anxious) for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
(Matt. 6:33-34)