FROM THE PASTOR
March 04, 2018
Connie and I receive 5 to 10 solicitations a week asking us to borrow money. Some are for credit cards with a few thousand-dollar limit and others are for a couple hundred thousand dollars to refinance the house and “do so much more”. All of them say “preapproved” just sign your name on the dotted line and your life will change forever (which just happens to be the singular truth in the solicitation, only in a negative way). The solicitors have learned to rely on emotion and greed as each solicitation implies, in one form or another, by receiving this money your life will be easier, it will take the burden off your loved ones and make the rest of our life more enjoyable. Temptation… temptation… temptation… Satan plants the seed that we need what everyone else has… and then come happiness.
Here’s what God’s Word says about the temptations …
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB)
13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
So, NO, this isn’t about the evils of borrowing. Although God does warn us to be cautious…
Proverbs 22:7 (NASB)
7 The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender's slave.
And NO, this isn’t about whether the 10% tithe should be from gross or net. It isn’t even about whether living in the age of grace nullifies the 10% tithe. NO, this absolutely isn’t about Lakeside’s budget. And especially NO, this isn’t about anyone’s tithe habits. I have no idea who tithes what or how often and have made it crystal clear to the finance team that they are to always protect me from ever knowing. How I respond as a Pastor to anyone never has and never will be based on how much or little anyone tithes.
But a Pastor is called to encourage everyone to be faithful to all of God’s commands. Jesus said, “If you love me you will keep my commandments.” Therefore, this reminder is about making decisions in the face of temptation that will not inhibit our ability to bless the Lord and be blessed by the Lord. This is about making sure that our first commitment is to God, at all times and in every circumstance. And yes, I guess to a certain level, this is about honoring God through their tithes and offerings. Because, in doing so we’re able to engage in the blessings of God’s challenge…
Malachi 3:10 (NASB)
10 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.
Listen, we all (with very few exceptions) have needed to borrow at one time or another. My point is this… when doing so, please, be careful not to open a door that prohibits obedience to God’s commands. He desires to bless us abundantly. We need to bless Him through our obedience.
Having everything the world has isn’t part of the blessing. Israel demanded a king because they wanted what others had… for that, they suffered the consequences.
It’s no wonder God instructed Israel…
Deuteronomy 28:12 (NASB)
12 "The LORD will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.
Thank you for your faithfulness. Pastor Larry
