Others have clearly articulated the reasons to reject recent American preaching about living the Christian life — giving and serving especially — expecting material returns. This type of preaching goes on in too many churches and on the air waves ad nauseum.
Well, here is my little testimony to add to the conversation. My school in Haiti is the middle of a capital campaign for a much needed building which will allow a major expansion of the Haitian church which meets in their facility. I met with the director, discussed it with my wife to decide the largest amount our monthly budget could bear, then raised it by about half counting on continued consulting work for my portion. Now according to these American its all about me preachers, I was supposed to have this money somehow magically be added to my income maybe with some extra fun money for me. Not one month in the year and a half since has there been enough money in our household budget to give any. The consulting has held out and I have staid current on my pledge by giving totally from those funds. But, lately the household budget is stretched so far, it is beginning to consume the consulting funds as well — something I said I would not do in order to avoid being locked into working three jobs.
This summer my youngest daughter and I made two mission trips. The second one involved many extra expenses in order to attend a major family event and the meet the group in time to start work. So, more wealth and happiness are undoubtedly supposed to be headed our way.
I also spent hundreds I shouldn’t have to purchase tickets for an event next year I would clearly label entertainment. Only this year it wasn’t entertaining, it was a debacle. But, the son-in-laws I took were very appreciative of the time spent together out of town and away from work and responsibilities. So, I said, “This is a thing I can do for these young men who have come into my life. It gives me a chance to invest time and presence with them as they start their own adult lives.” I am quite sure the ‘give and you get’ crowd would include it as the kind of good that brings more back one’s way.
Nope, my university was late with my new contract and finally offered me less money for more work. After discussing it with them to make sure it was even possible, I signed. One payday passed in the process with no check, the next check would fix the error. Then this week, they contacted me again to say that half-time faculty will no longer be paid on a regular salaried basis, only after we complete each course like adjuncts. No check this month. That is my house payment. I have spent all of my tax reserves from the consulting fees. The accounts are low enough that the bank charged (and refunded) an over-draft fee because I almost didn’t have enough to cover my last mission contribution.
Jesus said, “Take up your cross and follow me.” The problem is in the theology we are falsely proclaiming. I have never heard it preached from the front in my church, but I have heard it in many testimonies and small group discussions. Jesus didn’t say come with me and get rich. He said follow me for the abundant life, which includes a cross.
I’m in a tight spot right now. I’m struggling and (shock face for my friends who believe Christians never are) worried. The pieces are not falling neatly in place for how to fix this. But, I am not surprised or really complaining. This is how it is.
Now, I have been rewarded, don’t get me wrong. I have new friends named Osama, Hussein, and Bilal. I know my son-in-laws better and treasure the time with them and my friend who also went. I take great pride in the beautiful building going up in Haiti and the awesome things that are happening there in spite of the fact that my struggling contribution is actually very small in financial terms. I walked in the presence of God this summer in the midst of direct opposition by those who do not want the Truth proclaimed. It was wonderful. I continue in the presence of God whether I feel like it or not. Even now, I know the best will happen. But, I know it is more likely to involve a cross than a check. The rewards of faith are not so simple, or trivial.
peace