The Barn Perspective

[John Becker]

Yesterday our pastor challenged us to have a "barn perspective" in relation to our possessions and giving. Many of us operate with a "bag perspective".  We treat our possessions as our private reserve, like a bag of seed with a hole in it. We are always seeking to fill our bag to get ahead, and yet we struggle to find enough as our seed spills out here and there. There is never enough to fulfill our needs and desires.  This is illustrated in Haggai 1:5-6,  ^"Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.  You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”  Haggai was rebuking the people for pursuing their own comfort and stability while the "House of the Lord" (the Temple) lay in ruin.

 

This is contrasted with Proverbs 3:9-10, "Honour the Lord from your wealth, and from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine."   When our perspective is on how our possessions are to be used, we move from the "bag" to the "basket" which is full, firmly pushed down and overflowing. When our perspective is on what we have rather than what we don't have, we are aware of God's provision and our gratitude spills over to bless others. We begin to sow our seed for a rich harvest.  We are encouraged to "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." (2 Cor 9:6)  This reminds me of the difference between generous sellers at the market we used to go to in Kenya. There were some who would fill up your basket with the kilo of onions or potatoes and then add two more on top, just to be generous. Others would use rigged scales and always try to skimp. Who do you think we would go back to for more business?

 

I was drawn more deeply into understanding this as I read about the simplicity of the carefree life by (guess who?) Bonhoeffer- he writes, "Earthly goods are given to be used, not to be collected... In the same way, the disciple must receive his portion from God every day. If he stores it up as a permanent possession, he spoils not only the gift, but himself as well, for he sets his heart on his accumulated wealth, and makes it a barrier between himself and God. Where our treasure is, there is our trust, our security, our consolation and our God."

 

Yesterday's sermon and my reading and reflection today have been fresh reminders of our fifth value in SOIL

"Offer our homes and possessions for the sake of furthering Christ’s Kingdom. As sanctified people (set apart) we sanctify our material possessions for holy use (Mt 6:24-35; 3 John 1:5-6)."

Lord help me to have a "barn perspective"  - let my basket overflow from the generous provision you supply to me daily! 

[Sarah Richardson]

Amen

always a difficult one to remember. :D What I do know though is that God is ALWAYS faithful. 

[Felicia Lancaster]

Thank you :)