I've been learning about money a whole lot lately. Not so much in terms of budgeting and investing, although that very much related to it. Since the church is starting this new building project, there's been a lot of talk about how we should spend our money. Society says we should make as much money as we can, and buy as many things as we can. While that is one of my goals in pursuing higher graduate degrees, I think I'm in the midst of really changing that viewpoint.

Time and time again we see that money does not buy happiness, and yet I feel like I don't quite buy that just fully. I do like buying things, having nice things, displaying cool things... but I'm starting to wonder if there are better ways that I could be spending my money. Its hard though, because I can always think of some other way to spend the money that I give away. I could buy some new electronics, some car parts, some new designer clothes, or whatever happens to be the latest fad. Granted, I have given to charity before and I try to be generous with what I have, but I feel like I just simply give out of my abundance. Offering and charitable donations have never really been a sacrifice to me, and so I feel like that needs to change. If I truly believe that the Lord will provide, I should be willing to step out in action and in faith.

Pastor Rob has been challenging the church to give abundantly, and also being an example himself in giving. Though money can usually be a touchy subject within a church, I appreciate that we've been talking about it a lot lately. Money is closely tied into our hearts and what we value in life, "for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also". So its really a matter of faithfulness to God. I don't want to be the person who is stingy with the money God has given me. Nor do I want to be the person who is pridefully giving money so that others can see. Nor do I want to be the person who gives out of guilt. But I want to be the person who gives because I recognize the kindness and faithfulness of God in my life.