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Centennial Family,
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said,
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
We should think about this for a second. Where is your treasure? Or, to put it slightly differently,
What do you treasure most?
Jesus is giving a clear challenge to make the way of the kingdom more valuable, more celebrated, and more prioritized than anything “of this world.”
What are some of the things we humans often treasure? I’m sure plenty of answers come to mind. Considering the ongoing political tensions in our country, it’s clear that many Americans deeply treasure their political party, some form of political power or influence, or various political platforms and causes. Southern Baptist pastor Matt Chandler recently said in a sermon (and note, he is a conservative pastor of a Southern Baptist Church in the South) that he believes the Republican party has “developed a strategy to co-opt [Evangelicals] and make us their people.” Those are strong words. He has strong words for the Democratic Party as well, but here’s the point:
There is no political party or platform that Jesus—or anything in the Bible—calls us to treasure.
Yes, because of our deep commitment to Christ and his kingdom, we make our choices how to vote. Civic engagement can be very good.
But we must get the order right, and Jesus’ warning makes it clear that we humans are uniquely at risk of getting the order wrong. Are you at risk of getting the order wrong?
I write this “Financial Corner” every week because, of the many “treasures” Jesus warns can consume our lives, the treasure of worldly wealth and financial security is one of the most seductive and enduring. Therefore, we as a church take seriously the continual effort needed to manage our finances in the way of the Kingdom of God.
A cornerstone of Kingdom guided financial management is the consistent practice of generosity. Is that a regular practice in your life?
When we don’t consistently give a portion of what we have, we become ever more at risk of being controlled by what we have.
Generosity is, in fact, a pathway to freedom.
I am pleased to share that, one month into our fiscal year, we are right on track with budgeted giving. I praise God for that provision through each of you, the CCC community.
The longing of the leadership of Centennial is that everything we do as a community – financial stewardship, worship and prayer, service and study – is a life-giving expression of Christ in us, never a shame-based pressure to fit in or conform. May you find the joy of Christ in your life this day!
Here is my prayer for us all:
In our finances, in our civic engagement, in our relationships, in our hearts, may we treasure Christ, his kingdom, and his righteousness above all. May we then know in our experience what Christ promised, “you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Amen.
Grace and peace,
Karl Helvig
Lead Pastor, Centennial Covenant Church
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