“Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’” (Acts 3:6, NIV84)

It really frustrates me when the church is characterized as being money-hungry. I have heard the phrase so often, “All they care about is money.” And I guess if there are churches out there like that, I am embarrassed and ashamed for them. They are truly missing the point of stewardship. On the other hand, I think too many Christians think stewardship is about money. When I am challenged by people who say stewardship is about money, my response is: “God doesn’t just want your money. He wants so much more. He desires to have all of you. He wants you to give to the world around you whatever is necessary at that time to further His kingdom.” My point in saying this is to make sure that the person I am talking to about stewardship understands that from God’s perspective it is about more than money and donations made on a Sunday morning. God is interested first in our hearts. Only after having our hearts is He interested in our stewardship of all that He has given us.

In our text for today, Peter said to the crippled man, “I do not have what you are begging for (money), but I do have something I can give, and that is Jesus.” Like Peter, we are called to be stewards of the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout our life. Every day God offers us opportunities to give to those around us. It could be an expression of truth someone needs to hear. It could be a helping hand with something someone is struggling with. You get my point! Let’s not reduce an important thing like stewardship to dollars and cents. May we be reminded every day that He desires to have all of us.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church