Biblical Stewardship

  Members of Columbus Avenue commit to the giving of our Time, Talent, and Treasure to hold up the Truth of Jesus. When it comes to God’s call to the giving of our Treasure, the focus is more on a proper mindset rather than a dollar amount. At Columbus Avenue, we phrase this Biblical mindset as generous, joyful, and sacrificial giving. 

     Generous—(Acts 2:44-45) The early Church provides an excellent model of what generous giving looks like. We see Christians selling all they had for the purpose of meeting needs of their fellow brothers/sisters. While the model does not teach that every Christian is required to give away all of their possessions, we are, none-the-less, called to generously share all the blessings we have been given for the glory of God and good of others (see 1 Timothy 6:17-19).

     Joyful—(2 Corinthians 9:7) God does not want our giving to come out of obligation or from a begrudging spirit; rather it should come from a cheerful heart. What this looks like varies from person to person according to what they have joyfully decided in their hearts to give. 

     Sacrificial—(Luke 21:1-4) Though the widow gave a fraction of what the wealthy gave, Jesus declared that she “put in more than all of them” because she gave “out of her poverty” versus the rich who gave “out of their surplus."  As King David would not offer a sacrifice to God that cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24), so too should our giving come at a cost.

     When it comes down to it, God tells us it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). As you prayerfully navigate what to give out of your Treasure here at Columbus Avenue, may it be with a generous, joyful, and sacrificial mindset.