Makes No Cents...

So, I was cruising my morning blogrolls this morning when I came across this article on The Christian Post. Apparently people are cutting back on their tithes, and the church is cutting back on charitable giving in order to keep those folks in the pews who are cutting back on their giving.

Did you catch that?

I'll wait while you re-read the sentence.

To me, this speaks volumes to where we are as a nation. We are a nation that is fully focused on self-preservation and keeping ourselves happy. There's nothing wrong with these things in theory. But when they start getting in the way of our mandated role to evangelize the lost, we start tipping into the wrong territory.

Yes, the recession is hard on a lot of folks. That doesn't mean that you neglect your Father's house.

And more shame on the churches who are stumbling over themselves to placate the people in the pews. Yes, people love to attend "how-to-get-your-blessing" and "prosperity-is-yours-today" and "you-are-amazing" conferences and meetings. Folks enjoy amenities like movie nights, trips, and coffee shops in the lobby.

But, at what cost?

Are the monies that are being used for these extra perks taking away from missions, evangelism, and community outreach?

According to the article they are.

We all need to take a good, hard look at how we handle these things with the Lord. Are we being good stewards? Are we being selfish? Are we acting out of fear?

There are lives that are hanging in the balance.

Verse of the Day: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9