Last week I read a really interesting article from a secular publication on church sound systems. The guy writing it was really perplexed at the phenomenon known as "give your junk to Jesus" where Christians think it's ok, and in fact really commendable to sacrificially give their church whatever beat-up, crusty old bit of audio kit they have rotting in their garage for the sake of ministry.
And this doesn't just apply to church sound, but often to all areas of the church. How about that toaster in the kitchen that threatens to electrocute you just for looking at it? Given by someone with a healthy fear of electrical fires, but who wished to bless the church with a kind gift.
I am injecting a healthy dose of humour here, and I am not thinking of any particular churches. At our own church, we are very blessed by many people who give their best very sacrificially. In my experience though, it is something that all churches suffer from, to a greater or lesser extent. Here's some food for thought:
God deserves our best.
Numbers 18v29 gives Israel guidelines for their offerings presented to God: "You must present as the Lord's portion the best and holiest part of everything that is given to you." God has given us his firstborn son. He has blessed us beyond measure. How can we not give our best back to God? It must be said that if a second-hand toaster is all you are able to give, then give cheerfully! God owns all that we have anyway, he is far more concerned about the attitudes of our hearts.
Second-hand is usually short-sighted.
Receiving a second-hand item will always carry the risk of expired warranty, unforeseen damage and obsolescence. What this really means is that it's cheap to receive, but you'll pay for it when something goes wrong. A church is always wiser buying new, a reliable brand, from a reputable dealer, with a watertight warranty.
Get the right tools for the job.
Second-hand is usually a compromise between what you actually need and what someone is willing to give you. If I want to cut tomatoes, I really need a tomato knife. But if someone has a rusty old chainsaw that they're not using, why should I refuse? (Please note that I am merely making a point - it is a bad idea to cut tomatoes with chainsaws.)
Personal and emotional attachment.
Beware of gratefully receiving the grotty old toaster, only to leave it out next to the dustbin when you realise that it might just kill someone or burn down your church. You may make that person very upset, even to the point of having a negative impact upon their spiritual life. It would perhaps have been wiser not to accept the gift in the first place.
Back to the future.
Buy your second one first. This is a wise word. Yes the price tag is bigger, yes it will take more effort. But when God blesses the church with growth you don't want to have to spend what you spent the first time again and more to meet your needs. In faith, look to the future.
Give cheerfully. Receive gratefully. In faith, ask God to provide what you need. Trust him to build his kingdom the best way possible. And don't give God your junk, give him your best.
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