Not long ago I was visiting with my 97-year-old mom. Toward the end of our visit, she ambled back into her bedroom and came out with an envelope. She had written on it, “God’s Money.” Inside were several bills, perhaps $100 or more. She asked me to give that money to a specific cause she had on her mind, which I was glad to do.
There are tithers and there are tippers. My mom is both. She always gives a full tithe on any money that comes into her life. But then, as she has a little left over, or as she finds some in the couch cushions, she puts that in an envelope with the intention of waiting until God leads her to give to someone or something. This might be weeks or months, but eventually her heart will be moved to follow the Spirit’s lead. As I say, she tithes, then she tips on top of that. She feels that regular, proportional giving is a responsibility for anyone who knows God in their life. But she always gets a special joy out of the “tipping.”
My mom exemplifies a maturity in giving. She is both disciplined and heart-led. She lives by her commitments in good times and bad—promises made are promises kept. Yet she is also open to spontaneous moments that call for empathy and sympathy, not discipline. After so many years of living this way, she has found a pattern that is balanced and healthy, and has developed an easy-going trust in the Lord. She is not wealthy—not even close—but she doesn’t worry about it. She knows she is in the center of her Lord and her faith.
The next time you have a leadership team meeting, consider one of the two following questions for group discussion: 1) What do you need to live confidently while giving generously? Or, 2) Who are your role models for giving faithfully?
As always, the Heartland Methodist Foundation is here to help with all your stewardship needs. It is both our work and joy to serve you.
