Is That Okay?

Communion and Offering

The question was raised on Sunday concerning the offering box next to the cross and communion table and its "acceptability."  Regardless of personal feelings lets look into this a bit.  It goes against "popular" belief that offering/tithing is an act of worship.  Giving to God most certainly IS an act of worship.  Unfortunately the common Western view of tithes and offerings is one of duty.  Doesn't the notion of "duty" go against the liberating and freeing constructs given by God through Christ as the new covenant is ushered in and the old, that is the law and all its guidelines and regulations, is done away with?  Absolutely!  As believers in Christ, sons and daughters, and heirs by His blood, we are free from the limits of the law.  Tithes and offering are most certainly an act of worship.  When giving to God (that in itself might not be a present thought as many perceive it as giving to the church...but you're giving to God) it is as if you're saying, "you gave it to me, so I'm giving it back, do something great, regardless if it benefits me or not."  Thats worship, that screams nothing is mine, its all yours, you are ever present, magnificent, and glorious, and I want to see YOUR impact.

Concerning communion.  This act, by all means, is a serious one.  Truth of the matter is, our lives as believers is a serious thing!  Nothing we do should be done flippantly, for our lives are in fact an offering, and our lives are made an offering through the redeeming works of the blood on the cross and the work of the Holy Spirit.  It was simply, yet elegantly said on Sunday, 'that as we come to the cross we give our offerings.'  It is only by the cross that our offerings matter much at all.  It is by the cross that we have access to the father and are pardoned from, and overcome, our "God hating" flesh that resides in us, and by the cross that our offerings are not it vain.  The cross signifies our redemption because of the work of Christ, and because of His work our LIVES should be an offering.

As Genesis has begun to be unravelled we can clearly see that God is unbelievably clever.  Throughout the week challenge yourself to see His cleverness in and around everything.  Challenge yourself to glorify His name by cleverly and creatively living your life as an offering, doing ALL things to make His name great.  How many new ways can you see Christ this week, how many conversations can your actions and words create?  May we find ourselves daily at the foot of the cross with willing hearts of offering.