I was reminded last week by Alan Roxburgh of how maps of the world change, both our physical maps and our metaphorical maps. It should come as no surprise to any of us.
We’re living in a time of great upset and confusion because our maps aren’t working for us anymore. Physically, the world I grew up in had countries named Abyssinia which is now known as Ethiopia. When this business of maps came up, I was sitting in a seminar for some very dazed and confused Presbyterian pastors who were all trained for ministry in a world that doesn’t exist anymore.
We all have maps that are drawn from our experience of the world and through our maps, we try to make sense of that experience so we can successfully navigate through life. We grew up with maps of what a family should look like. Now, less than 50% of our families are intact with no divorce and mom, dad, and kids, all living together. The map of today’s family has to account for divorce, remarriage, parents who were never married in the first place, and even same sex parents.
My dad worked for S.C. Johnson, a family owned company his entire career. The old map of work was summarized by Alan as you worked for 40+ hours for 40+ years and that resulted in a pension (40+40=pension) In 1960, 80% of us lived in this kind of world—now less than 20% of us do. It is estimated that a career will include a minimum of five employers over a career.
The news in the last few days is driving home the bad news that our investment maps are obsolete as well. The American dream was to own a home which would increase in value over the years and provide a safe and secure savings program. Housing values have slipped back to their 2002 level, and instead of a benefit, too many of our houses are like financial holes in our financial boat. We’re sinking in deep water.
It is in this world of traumatic changes to our maps that I feel even more confident in God’s priorities for our lives as his followers and the investment of our assets. I know we don’t feel rich, but if you dare to go to www.globalrichlist.com and enter in your annual income (go ahead and use your net income from your 2010 income tax), see where you rank in terms of the world’s population. I’m rich. The vast majority of us living in the North Bay are rich. So God’s word through Paul to Timothy apply to you and me whether we like it or not:
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
God’s financial map calls for us to trust God by giving back 10% of the financial resources God has blessed us with for God’s work in the world. That means the support for God’s church has been given to us, and therefore has always and will always depend on the faithful obedience of God’s people to function. This all sounds so simple, but becomes the most difficult in practice. In fact, the overwhelming evidence is that the richer we are, the lower our percentage of giving will be, which makes absolutely no sense in terms of dollars and cents, but makes all the sense in the world when we realize the richer we are the more likely we are to have more, want more, and trust God less to meet our day to day needs.
This Sunday we’ll talk about God’s 401K plan for our lives—a plan that includes regular and faithful investments in God’s kingdom. While this is the message more of us would prefer to avoid, this may be the most important message we need to hear as we actually walk the Christian walk, not just talk the Christian talk.
Now for the other pieces of news on my desk…
Reminder: Our congregational meeting to elect church officers will be held following the first service (about 10:15am) on Sunday, June 12th.
4TH OF JULY BURGER BOOTH SIGN-UPS STARTED LAST SUNDAY
Be a part of this 4th of July fundraiser downtown in the park on the Plaza. Funds raised will help support our mission in El Salvador. There are many areas, in which you can volunteer – set-up, assemble booth, barbecue, food prep, cashier, transport, clean-up, donate and of course, stop by and buy a burger! The sign-up table will be in the fellowship hall.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – JUNE 27 – JULY 1
We are always looking for volunteers to help at Vacation Bible School! We have a place for everyone. Whether you can stay for one day, or all 5 days, your participation is what makes the St. Andrew VBS a safe and fun place for children. To register go to the front page of our website. www.andrewpres.org and click on “To register as a volunteer click here” link.
With that…you really do know what I know…
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