On Stewardship and the Orthodox Life - Part 8: A Simple Plan – Part I

 “…they are to do good, to be rich in good deeds, liberal and generous, thus laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life which is life indeed.” (I Timothy 6:18-19 RSV)

 The plan laid out for us by God Himself that gives us specific direction on how to give back to Him in proportion to what He has given us is simple and just. The tithe (giving back to God 10% of all we receive from Him) is something anyone can take hold of in good faith. After all, this plan of God’s is found directly in the Holy Scriptures, and thus is a part of our Holy Orthodox Tradition.

The plan is simple and easy to get a hold of. It does not require a great deal of knowledge, investigation or research. It does not take much depth in order to grasp it and carry it out. Anyone, and everyone who receives anything from God (and that IS everyone!) can take part in God’s plan of how to show love and thanksgiving to Him for all He has given to us.

The plan, when made use of, makes each partaker, whether man, woman or youth, a treasurer for the Lord. Each partaker becomes God’s agent in the exchange that happens when God gives, human beings receive, and then give back a portion of what each has received in thanksgiving.

Actually, great things can happen when everyone takes his or her part in this plan. When each person becomes a watchful treasurer of the good gifts of God, and that tithe (10% of all that has been received) is carefully totaled and used properly, only good things can result. There would be more than sufficient means to carry out the mission and ministry of the Holy Orthodox Church, and its many parishes. Not only would the basic needs be filled, but there would be more than enough to use in mission outreach to the poor and needy. The various treasuries would be filled, and, equally important, the contributors would not be the poorer.

Yes – recall that whenever our Lord Jesus Christ received something, he multiplied it in return to his followers: bread and fish in the wilderness; wine from water at the wedding in Cana; victory over sin and death from the Cross and empty tomb!  Those who give back what they have received are never the poorer.

This weekly series of brief thoughts on stewardship and Orthodox life is brought to you by your Diocesan Stewardship Commission.

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