“What is the greatest problem you see facing the American church?” I recently asked a missionary who returned to the States on reassignment.
I wasn’t sure what I was going to get, but he did not hesitate, “Debt.” He said that average American church gives more each month to pay off their debt on the facilities than for missions. I probably could have guessed that statistic to be accurate, but it still surprised me when he said it. Why do churches give more to pay off their debt than they do to missions?
I am sure there are many reasons that one could say for the debt in American churches, but regardless of the reason, it should prompt us to ask, “Are we spending our money wisely?” Jesus shared a parable of the shrewd manager, saying, “The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.” (Luke 16:7-8) The sons of this world use their money more wisely than the sons of light. Are we being strategic with our funds? Are we maximizing our resources for the glory of God? Would the Lord commend us for using our money wisely to build up the kingdom of God?
I do not have all the answers, but I know the questions are worth asking. We have been given a great task, let us maximize all that we have for the glory of God. How can we be more strategic with our funds?
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