Annual Sacrifice
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AUTHOR: Aniel Barbe
John 6:12
“When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”
We can worship with our resources when we follow God’s instructions about the economy and savings. In several instances, God has taught the practice of saving to His children. He inspired Joseph, the son of Jacob, to advise Pharaoh not to eat everything during the seven years of abundance but to keep 20% for later. On the night the Israelites had to celebrate the first Passover, before leaving Egypt, God’s first instruction was for them to choose the right size of lamb according to the number of people in each family. At the end of the multiplication of bread and fish, the clear admonition was “let nothing be wasted” (John 6:12). “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down” (Prov. 21:20).
This same message about penny-wise is pertinent in many places today. We are preparing and eating more than what we need daily, buying more than what we need to wear, and building houses with far more space than what we need to live. This consumption-oriented society influences us to adopt a criterion other than the need to acquire goods: affordability. If I can pay for it with available or borrowed money, there is no problem with purchasing it. This can be socially acceptable, but is this good stewardship?
Saving will help us to prepare for life emergencies, realize major financial goals, prepare for retirement, leave a financial legacy, and in some cases break the cycle of poverty. Furthermore, we will be in a better position to partner in God’s mission. Jesus and His missionary crew were supported by a group of women who used their own means (Lk. 8:3). The Early Church members, whose wealth was in the form of lands and houses, sold their properties to provide for the beginning of the Christians’ mission (Acts 4:34–35). Ellen G. White challenges us to properly channel our resources: “Each should keep a missionary box at hand, and drop into it every penny he is tempted to waste in self-indulgence.” —Ellen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship, p. 291.
Is it not time to identify and fix the leakages in our financial lives? This week we have another opportunity to use our savings to worship God by bringing our tithe and regular offerings to Him.
Prayer: Lord, You have designed us to enjoy an abundant life and to partner with You. Please give us the wisdom to manage our resources.