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What is this treasure worth?

by Andy Gustafson, Associate Conference Minister

December 2007 / January 2008

What is it worth to us?

Jesus said “the kingdom of God is among you” (Luke 17:21). I
know this is true. I have seen it.

The kingdom is present in our congregations every time we teach a child of God’s unconditional love for them, every time meals are delivered to the home where a parent has died, every time voices are raised in songs of praise, every time the outcast is welcomed
into the community of faith.

The kingdom is present in our wider church every time a church seeks help to become a ‘safe church,’ every time a voice is raised for justice and peace, every time someone’s call to ministry is nurtured and mentored.

This thing we call “Church” is a treasure of immense value. What is this treasure worth to us?

Jesus said ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.’ (Matthew 13:45-46). Is the kingdom found in our local congregations worth a tithe, a mere 10% of our income? Surely it’s worth that and much more! Is the kingdom found in the wider
church worth at least 50% of our mission spending? Surely it is worth that and much more!

May our personal giving to our congregations and our congregation’s giving to the wider church, reflect our great, deep and abiding love for God, for our neighbors and for each other.

It’s worth it!