Reflecting on “Abundance”
By Jim Thompson
For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have abundance. Matthew 25:29
This verse is contained in the parable of the Five Talents which recently was part of our Scripture lesson. The story is familiar to most; basically it says that those who use their talents (resources) will be blessed with greater abundance while those who do not use what they have, will not.
This lesson continues to be a primary motivator for me, year after year, to support our church and its mission. When I was a relatively new member in the late 1970’s, the pastor preached a similar message – if you give of your talents you will both further God’s work AND you will also feel good about what you have supported.
The pastor further indicated that, as you increase this support, your blessings will multiply. After many years with various life circumstances, I can vouch for the truth of these words as it has applied to me, my family, and our church family. Our church has grown as well in its mission and the work it does both within our walls and in our community.
This month, November, is in the season when we focus on stewardship albeit it is a year-long program. This year our theme is A Season of Generosity that ties together two key aspects. These aspects are Generosity meaning broadness or fullness of giving and Season meaning a time of year marked for certain activities—in this case for prayerfully considering how we commit to provide our talents to God through our church.
Remember, when you prayer-fully consider your stewardship commitment for 2012 that giving to God is what we all believe in and that God will multiply these gifts for all.