We at First Baptist Church of Arlington have been involved in our stewardship drive in order to plan our budget for 2008. Asking people to pledge to give money is a problematic thing. People often complain that the church is always asking for money. It must truly seem that way to some people. But actually, I prefer to think of it as giving people the opportunity to be a part of something far bigger than any of us. People have a chance to be a part of the building of God's kingdom here on earth.

When we think something is important, we want to teach it to our children. As they grow into young adults, we hope to see evidence of lessons learned. I recently heard about a young person in our church who seems to have learned a lesson about giving. This young person has her first job, has worked hard and is saving some of the money she has earned. She found out recently that someone in her extended family was in financial need and asked if she could send money to them. Her family was happy to know that she wanted to help. When they asked her how much of her money she wanted to send, she said, "All of it." She was willing to give what was needed even if it meant all she had earned and saved.

God does not require us to give back to him all the money he has given to us. Instead, he has asked for us to give back a portion of it. We cannot out give him. In Luke 6:38, we read:

"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be pored out in your lap. For the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

I hope your lap is full!