Sometimes complex problems have simple solutions. Free Methodists could double their giving to World Missions with two simple words – “Water, please!” If every time we went out to eat we simply asked for water instead of our favorite soft drink, tea or coffee we could divert those monies to World Missions and more than double our giving.
Many people are familiar with John Wesley’s advice to early Methodists – “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” Most people understand the first and third admonitions, but the second is rarely understood. “Save all you can” means to be as frugal as possible. If you can get by with less—do it! This opens the door to greater generosity.
Some older Free Methodists can remember the days when the wearing of jewelry was discouraged. Many of them think it was a sign of being worldly. In one sense it is, but not on appearance, but on losing touch with the mission of Christ. Early pioneer Free Methodists could not see their way clear to spend on themselves what they could give to the poor.
The problem is not that we don’t have the money to give. The problem is we choose to be self-indulgent. Our own appetites serve as an enemy to the gospel. Why not engage in some practical act to decrease self-indulgence? It can be as simple as saying, “Water, please!”
Greetings! I am a Wesleyan pastor and I followed a link somewhere else to get to you. I appreciate your thoughtful posts.
Comment by Phil — June 28, 2008 @ 1:41 am |