About a month ago, my weekly screen time report on my iPhone started surging. Not from binge watching videos or upping my email game, but from reading an excessive number of news articles. As news of the exponential spread of coronavirus reached our shores, I found myself bouncing from one article to the next – trying to determine what my reaction should be for my family, not wanting to over- or under-react.
My obsession soon shifted as I tried to understand what the impact would be on our economy. Reading the daily reports about the stock market collapsing, predictions of how much the GDP would contract this year, and the number of layoffs occurring each day were hard to fathom.
I remember first reading about the various components of the stimulus bills that were being contemplated, one version which included direct payments of cash to households to serve as a defibrillator to our economy. I assumed this would be targeted for those who lost their jobs or were already in the “low-income” category. As I read more, much to my surprise, as a family with 3 kids with an adequate income, I would likely be receiving a meaningful check in the mail.
Naturally, I started thinking through how I would use the money. We’re in the middle of a patio renovation so we could do a little more than originally planned. We could make a special 529 contribution for our kid’s education and capitalize on the down market. We could splurge on some nice outings or a vacation and help the industries that have been hit hardest.
Then, I started hearing stories from people in our church. Those who already lost their jobs. Others who had their income cut in half with a low probability of it returning this year. And others who were facing the hard reality of laying off dozens of people overnight just to keep their business afloat.
Since hearing those stories and beginning to pray about how we will use whatever amount of stimulus money we receive, Acts 4:32-37 has regularly been on my mind. In this passage, Luke makes three powerful statements about the generosity that marked the early church:
v32 “No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.”
v33 “And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them.”
v34 “…from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”
Prior to these statements Luke notes that “…all the believers were one in heart and mind.” They cared deeply for one another. There was tremendous unity. Their lives were integrated with one another’s. And they joyfully provided for one another, even at the expense of their own wealth and possessions.
In our present circumstances, I believe we have a great opportunity as a local church to demonstrate the Gospel to one another with a generosity that reflects the early church in Acts and points us towards Christ. The “needy” in this passage did not deserve or earn the provisions, but they freely received a gift of love from their brothers and sisters in Christ.
For some of us, we are experiencing incredible financial hardship and have significant, immediate needs right now. After a tithe, any money we may receive from the stimulus package should likely go towards putting food on the table, paying our rent, meeting other basic needs, or replenishing an emergency fund. (See 1 Timothy 5:8)
For others, we may be forfeiting a bonus or a pay raise this year, but our finances are relatively intact. We can probably each come up with ten responsible ways to spend this money in about 30 seconds. Most of which are appropriate and reasonable. However, we may be prone to only think about or own needs and wants, and not those of others.
What would it look like for us to consider giving a portion, or all of our stimulus check away to ensure there is no needy person among us? Some open-handed time in prayer with the Provider of all things can help us be good stewards of what He has entrusted to us – whether He leads us to give, save or spend. Entrusting what we have received from Him back to Him also helps us give joyfully rather than out of compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Similar to what is described in this passage in Acts, LBC has developed a Relief Fund administered by the Deacons for the purpose of assisting those facing substantial financial needs during this time. If you are interested in giving to this fund, visit our GIVE page and select the “Deacon’s Relief Fund.”
Considering there are those among us who will be unable to tithe in the same capacity this year, you could also consider making an extra contribution to the general operating expenses of the church by selecting the “General” dropdown option on the Give page noted above.
For a little more reading on the topic, a brief article that I found helpful can be found HERE.
Originally from California and raised in Orlando, TJ is only a few years shy of being a true Florida native. A graduate of the University of Florida, TJ spends his time trying to bring restoration to our broken world through holistic relationships and his love for construction. TJ and his wife, Anna, have been members of LBC since 2010 and have added 3 kids to their family in the process (Adalyn 5, Luke 3, and Raegan 1). As an elder at LBC, TJ loves seeing people flourish through a meaningful relationship with God and His church body. If you ask, TJ will have a hard time turning down a game of beach volleyball, waterskiing, or escaping to the mountains for a few days.
Our own stories are powerful, and even more so once shared. As Fred Rogers put it, "never underestimate the impact that your mere existence can have on another human being."
Here with Voices, you'll have the chance to read stories from various members of our church family, each chronicling what it feels and looks like now that so many things have changed. If you’d like to comment or learn more about this series, you can reach out to us at hello@lakebaldwinchurch.com.