A Living Vital Church

I am quoting from an editorial in the Times Picayune of 1996. It has a few years on it but it is absolutely as true today as ever it was.
The question was asked if the amount of money expected to be given to the church was proper. Here is the answer: Is the Church costing too much? "Last Sunday another golfer sank the last putt on the 18th green and received a check for $50,000.00 for four runds of golf plus an automobile for himself and one for his wife. THis week, the papers reported that a certain popular singer will receive $100,000.00 per week for her current singing engagement. Americans spend annually more on dog food than on church contributions. It is not unusual for an individual to pay more for his country club membership than he gives to the church. Is the church costing too much?
Let me share an experience with you. On June 2, 1940, a little girl was born to us. She cost us money from the moment she was born. As she grew from babyhood to girlhood, she cost even more - her dresses and shoes to go to parties. When she went to college we discovered along with other parents, that all college expenses are not listed in the catalog. Then after graduation, she fell in love and married. She was married in a church wedding and that, too, cost a lot of money.
Then, five months after her marriage, she suddenly sickened and within a week she was dead. She hasn't cost us a penny since the day we walked away from her grave.
As long as the church is alive, she will cost money. And the more alive a church is, the more money she will cost. Only a dead church, like a dead child, is no longer expensive.
Think it over. Is the church costing too much?
Think about this and answer the comment section of this blog. I would like to hear your reply.
Remember...if it is alive then it needs your support. If it is dead then bury it and mourn its loss and find that which is alive and celebrate it.

Walter L. Rose
Pastor