Enough really is enough

Friends,

It seems as though being a pastor these can be quite lucrative, at least for a peculiar minority. While many leaders struggle to make ends meet, others drive their fancy cars, take luxurious vacations, and mix and mingle at the finest clubs and restaurants. Is it just me, or is there something wrong with this picture?

Even in days long past, some assemblies enjoyed great provision from the Lord. The critical moment comes, though, when some leader has to decide what to do with the surplus.

2 Chronicles 31:10-11 (NKJV)
And Azariah the chief priest, from the house of Zadok, answered him and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat and have plenty left, for the LORD has blessed His people; and what is left is this great abundance. Now Hezekiah commanded them to prepare rooms in the house of the LORD, and they prepared them.

In this passage, the leader - King Hezekiah - chose to use the surplus to fill the LORD's house, so that they were ready for the lean times. He didn't choose to upgrade his chariot or his castle. He didn't redirect any of it for new robes for himself or his queen. He didn't even use it to buy advertising space for the temple on the side of the camels and horses that roamed the nearby wilderness.

And how do we use our surplus? I am not charged with the stewardship of tithes or gift offerings, but the LORD has provided for my household in abundance. Does that entitle me to buy toys? If you are responsible for moneys offered to Jesus, are you using those resources for your convenience or for His honor? Is any in your congregation struggling? I'll not belabor this point any more. Rather, I leave you with this admonishment, with this reminder - if you will.

It's not our money; It's His. Use it as though you will answer for every penny, because we will answer for every penny.

Be encouraged,
Jose