Scarcity and Abundance

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We all agree that God is a generous God.  Yet we don't live like it.  Why is that?  Last Sunday Pastor Jen provided a very challenging and thought-provoking message that responds to this conflict or contrast -- scarcity or abundance.  It seems that much of the time we tend to hoard our money and our talents, and that we live by the rules related to a culture of scarcity rather than a culture of abundance.  Our thinking, and behavior,  seems to be that we can't give to the church, or to charity, or to help neighbor, because what if I give and my car breaks down, or what if I need that money for something else?  We have come to believe that we must look out for ourselves, and that generosity or sharing is dangerous.   We're careful to only give if we can be sure of what it will get us or the benefit we can expect in return.  And we've concluded that this is even good stewardship because this is being responsible.   Yet the Bible and God seem to speak in terms of abundance.  Abundance thinking teaches us that generosity or sharing is a joy.  That it's like the Kingdom of God.  Here at the church we had our Fall Fest celebration that included a Trunk or Treat. One area where we wanted to be intentional was to have trunks full of candy because we wanted to offer abundance to all the kids who came -- to offer and have more than enough for everyone!  We wanted to communicate the feeling of abundant love!  Here's the contrast:  The culture of scarcity says there's never enough; that we have to fight to meet our needs, and to take as much as we can.  That we give only when we know what we'll get.  And there's no guarantee we'll be cared for.  Generosity and sharing are dangerous.   The culture of abundance teaches us there's more than enough; that our needs are met; and that we take only what we need, and to share the rest.  That we give without expectations, because we will be cared for.  That generosity and sharing are joyous.  This is an area where all of us can examine our hearts.  How can we stop the voice of scarcity?  It's to pray, "God, how can I learn to live out of abundance -- Your abundance?"  Then to listen for the voice of God.  And try it -- live by a different set of "rules" -- the rules and culture of abundance.  To truly trust God!  How would your life be different if you lived in a culture of abundance?

Gene Kelsey, Director of Christian Education