Inspiring Generosity

Lord have mercy...

Note to you, dear readers: I’m on vacation so I thought I’d pull out an oldie but goodie from way back in 2012. Originally titled, “Sometimes It’s Better Not to Give,” I’m now more inclined to see this for what it is: weaponizing money. The picture of that check still cracks me up and disturbs me.
Have a great week and…may you never get a check like this.
 
Our Finance Chair recently alerted me to a [now defunct] website he thought I’d be interested in: Stuff Christians Like.  In particular, he wanted me to see Jon Acuff’s blog posting The Worst Thing Ever Put in an Offering Basket. Take a close look at the photo.
 
Yes indeed, that is a $75 check with a definite “VOID” scrawled on the diagonal and the notation “Drums Way to Loud” above the signature. Bad spelling aside – it made me wonder what happened when the treasurer discovered it? Was the pastor notified? And what did he or she do?
 
Once the initial shock (and I hope a good laugh) abated – whoever saw this check probably found it deeply troubling and depressing. In my perfect world, this check would have led to a great four-part sermon series on:

• The purpose of tithing
• Using money as a weapon
• Passive-aggressive behavior in the body of Christ
• Loud drums in worship (and being passive-aggressive myself, I’d bring in the high school drum line for “special” music)

It’s up to you to teach how money can be used for good or for ill.

Don’t assume others are doing that for you. 

You are the instructor. And, you have a great textbook – the Bible. Use it and your influence or some day you too may receive that dreaded voided check.

Originally posted October 31, 2012