Giving at First of Weatherford
United Methodists share with other Christians the conviction that Scripture is the primary source and criterion for Christian doctrine. Through Scripture the living Christ meets us in the experience of redeeming grace. We are convinced that Jesus Christ is the living Word of God in our midst whom we trust in life and death. As the country, and the world, emerge from one of the greatest economic downturns in our nation’s history, we are reminded of Paul’s comments to the church at Corinth.
And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:1-7
Paul then tells us that it is through the power of Christ in his life that he is able to give out of faith rather than simply out of surplus (Phil 4:13). Why is this important? Because, where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matt 6:21). We give to honor and worship God. If this is true, and it is, then you can see how important it is to do it right.