Waste

Ever wonder after feeding the five thousand and the four thousand how they used the leftovers.  They made of point of collecting it all to ensure there was no waste. I wonder if Judas made a point of making a sale and collecting funds as people bought the food for the trip home.

It is in the living simply and the giving generously that we can become examples. If more than 50% of all churches are giving to the poor, feeding the hungry, reaching the lost with the gospel and excited about giving what they have away - it could become quite contagious. The world would see what grace looks like. 

Let's face it, to turn the tide of materialism in the Church today, we desperately need bold models of kingdom-centred living. Maybe its time for our Christian education systems to teach on budgeting, financial planning, stewardship, and giving. Maybe we need a cap on how much finances we draw for ourselves.

John Wesley has an amazing story about this as he personal experienced it.  Read the story here in Christianity Today.   

They say in terms of today's economy he would be making close to $200,000 every year but he only lived on about $30,000. 

For you to share with them when you have so much, and they have so little. Later, when they have more than enough, and you are in need, they can share with you. Then everyone will have a fair share. You will be blessed in every way, and you will be able to keep on being generous. Then many people will thank God when we deliver your gift. - 2 Corinthians 8:14; 9:11

Maybe this could even be a summer project.  See what capping one month could do to our fun in the sun. Then we could tell our story to others and maybe they might try it one month too.  Who knows where it could go from there.

We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things. - Hebrews 10:24