Let’s Talk About 11

The last three weeks at West Ridge Church, Pastor Brian Bloye led us through a series called, ‘Fearless’. It was on giving. You know every time you hear or read the Bible it requires a response. Even by the Pastors on the church staff.

I have wrestled with an issue related to giving now for about three years. I heard a Pastor via podcast challenge his people about giving. This particular Pastor has a philosophy on communication that is one of my favorites, “Always wear shoes you can run in.” Brilliant. He was challenging Christ-followers to start with percentage giving. And then he went on a bit of a rant that has haunted me. He said, “If you are giving 3%, let’s talk about 4…. If you are giving 30%, let’s talk about 31….” Haunted me! God has been whispering me to very specifically since I heard that talk, “Let’s talk about 11.”

My wife is a natural giver. I am not. We sponsor a child in Burkina. From time to time we try to give an extra gift to one of my friends planting churches. We will give extra towards Outreach efforts at WRC (gift offering, toys for Christmas) so that our lives mirror our ministry. Just little stuff. Still, God whispers, let’s talk about 11.

My wife and I have been faithful 10% givers to our local church since the early days of our marriage. But scripture says this, But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. Grow in the grace of giving. Even just a little bit.

Brian talked specifically about church centered giving. He spoke about giving where you are taught (and in this case sometimes where you do the teaching). After years of wrestling, being stubborn, and probably a bit fearful, we are moving to 11. I’m notorious for jumping 4 steps ahead, when I should just take the one in front of me. One will lead to the next; eventually.

I can’t tell you how small a step this is, or how stupid I feel for not taking it sooner. But it’s an obedient step. It’s also one I believe that if more of us did it, we could make a greater impact in Atlanta, Burkina Faso, Cuba, Brazil, and right next door.

Let’s talk about….

Everyone Belongs,

Paul