Honor the Giver

I don’t like to let people down. This can sometimes get me into trouble. Not like “I did something bad” trouble – more like “work so hard I mentally exhaust myself” trouble. Sometimes I feel like if I say “no” to someone when they need me, they’ll think I’m unreliable, selfish, lazy, self-centered…you get the picture.

I’ve been reflecting on this dilemma that I and many others suffer from. This past Sunday was my church’s annual board meeting. As my pastor was going through changes in board member roles, he said something along the lines of, “I like to make sure people have a chance to cycle off the board because I know it can be frustrating when it seems like you’re the only one volunteering. Everyone needs a break.”

I’ve been treasurer for a few years now, and it was mostly because no one else stepped up to the plate (I promise I’m not being pompous here). Now, another member has volunteered (thank you, God!), and I’m transitioning into the role of secretary. I don’t say this because I want a pat on the back – I’m saying this because it relates to the topic of today’s blog.

Let’s talk about gifts. God-given, spiritual gifts. If you’re not familiar with the passage, I’ve included it below:

Romans 12:6-8

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with the faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Friends…I was not a cheerful treasurer. I have a passion for the written word, and my math skills are probably just short of 6th grade algebra - and that’s me being nice to myself. But I knew someone needed to make sure tithes were deposited and distributed responsibly, so I volunteered myself. However, at this last board meeting, I started to wonder – what if people aren’t stepping up not because they don’t want to, but because they aren’t really sure of or confident in their spiritual gift?

Now, I’m sure some people are just not interested in volunteering more of their time after church on Sundays. I get that. But I do think they should read “Are We Doing Church Wrong” to help them gain a different perspective of what it means to be a part of a church family. Perhaps they really don’t have the time; another valid argument that’s hard for me to rebut not knowing everyone’s obligations outside of their day job. Nevertheless, one thing I will absolutely call people out on is saying they aren’t qualified.

“Lexi! You basically just said you felt you were unqualified to be treasurer! You’re contradicting yourself!”

You’re absolutely right. Here’s the thing I learned from this experience – God doesn’t call the equipped. He equips the called. During my time as treasurer, there were many instances where I doubted myself. “What if I lose a check? What if a member of the congregation doesn’t trust me with the church’s finances? What if I miscalculate a total and it ends up with us being audited?” There were a lot of what-ifs. It didn’t matter. My pastor was – thankfully – very patient and helpful in guiding me, and God wasn’t concerned with my not-so-impressive math skills. The Lord pointed me in the direction of the hole that needed filling, and said, “You know what you should do, and I’m going to help you do it.”

1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” Sometimes you don’t need to know what gift you have. You may even think you know what it is, and then turn down opportunities that might have shown you otherwise. We shouldn’t let uncertainty hinder us from following the pull of the Holy Spirit. As this verse states, whatever gift we are given, we are expected to use it to glorify the Giver in whatever form it takes.

“But what if I fail?” I can promise you that if you feel something inexplicable inside you telling you to throw up your hand when someone asks for a volunteer, you don’t have anything to worry about. You may stumble, but there is no such thing as failure. There are lessons learned and improvements to be made, certainly. But anything God is leading you to do will not end in catastrophe.

Am I happy I no longer have to worry about caring for the church finances? I’m not going to lie – of course! I’m only human, and having that kind of responsibility can take a toll on you. However, I’m also glad God taught me an important lesson through taking that responsibility on. Remember, the danger of saying “yes” to His will is you might be uncomfortable with what He puts in your path. But the only thing He needs from you to make an impact is a willing heart. Honor His trust in you by reciprocating it.