1 Tim 6.11-19; Mt 6.19-33
This sermon comes from the Church of England Generosity website for this year. There is one paragraph that I will not read out in the sermon - [this is marked in brackets in case someone wishes to read it] - and added more of my own at the end to tie it in with us here.
The relationship between faith and wealth is commonplace in the teachings of Jesus. Our earthly possessions are not disconnected from our beliefs and much like our character or our speech, the way we handle our assets are a signifier of what lies beneath the surface.
In both these passages we find teaching that encourages us to hold money, assets, and wealth lightly. Not because such things are inherently unhealthy, but because they get in the way of our relationship with God. When worry or anxiety over food, clothes, and shelter become the priority, then we become distracted from the relationship that truly brings life. Such is the impact of these possessions on daily life. Not only can they come between us and God but they can also distort our perspectives on the community around us and the Truth of life in its fullness.
When money is our priority, God becomes small. Whilst we know God has provided all that we might need, we also know that there are many in this world for whom worry and anxiety for food, clothes, and shelter are justified concerns. Walk through any town or city centre and the extent of this is clear, and that’s not to mention the millions in our country who go hungry, let alone the hundreds of millions across the world who live in poverty. But if the lilies in the field are so finely clothed, why has God let so many die for want of a decent jacket to keep them warm?
To draw on another parable might help us see the context a little clearer. The parable of the sower may highlight how we have not played our part. The seeds have the potential to deliver all that they have been promised and yet the land may not offer them the conditions to flourish. How can we ensure every land is cultivated to make the most of the resources so generously given to us by God?
The passage in 1 Timothy makes it clear; those who are rich should share and be generous. This is not only for the good of the community but also for personal wellbeing. Generosity enables money to no longer be a distraction but to be a signifier of God’s love in the world. If there are people who are hungry, cold, and in need of a roof over their heads, then it’s our calling to provide that. There’s enough of everything in this world to go around. If someone is lacking, it’s because someone else has already got enough and has spare to share with others.
[It’s often said that we should give sacrificially. That our generosity should be so great that we notice it. This is true, but also the more often you give generously it stops being so ‘sacrificial’ because it starts becoming who we are, what our culture is. Something is sacrificial when it hurts or impacts us. But by the tenth time of giving, the impact is dissipated. It may still be as generous as the first time, it may still in “real-terms” affect our life or bank balance the same, however now it is commonplace and is the signifier of our faith in the love and provision of God. It is evidence of our holding it lightly. We are called to be generous. So how do we become more generous? By being more generous. You can’t shortcut your way to generosity, but the more you do it, the easier it becomes.]
Graham adds the following:
We are very blessed in our church with having people who generously give and have done so for many years. And we are hugely grateful for this. Not only do many of you give generously through your bank or on the plate but you are also generous in your response to requests for donations whether for buying new stoles for our curates, gifts for needy families at Christmas, new heating at Hanwood, new altar veils and frontals at Longden or appeals from Christian aid. That is a wonderful illustration of God’s generous love living in and through you and we are humbled by that, especially when it is accompanied by many of you also unstintingly give of your time and energy to support God’s mission in this place.
My prayer is that you will not tire in your giving. I know for myself that when I am tight fisted and reluctant to respond to a need then it diminishes me, I become more insular and mean hearted. But when I open up my heart and respond even when it is financially painful to do so then my spirit rejoices within me and I walk more lightly, with a smile on my face. The needs across the world are great and each of our parishes have their own needs. Sadly as a Benefice we felt unable to increase our Parish Offer for 2026, indeed we have reduced it from this year’s figure as our income in all three parishes has dropped with people dying and moving away, and each parish has building work that needs doing. This was done very reluctantly as we are aware that it may mean that when I retire in 13 months time, I may not be replaced by a full time priest, as the diocese is running a deficit.
But when I pray about this and look back on the past, I am reminded God is good and when we as individuals, as a PCC have pushed the boat out and trusted, he has provided. So I invite you to turn to Jesus, lay before him your financial situation and have an honest conversation with him about whether he is asking you to increase your giving this next year either with a one off donation or to raise your regular giving. Anything extra would be a huge encouragement to the PCC, and enable us to increase our Parish offer and increase the likelihood of a full time replacement for me.
On a different but associated tack, one of our PCCs has been blessed this year with a legacy and if your family circumstances allow you to, then please do include our parishes within your will with a gift. For some a gift to charity in a will, can reduce your inheritance tax by 3%! So benefiting your main beneficiaries as well as the church.
To return to our reading. Jesus said seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Spending time with Jesus, seeking his will in our lives, knowing that he loves us, gives us confidence that all our worldly needs will be met by Him. May you know this now in the present and be able to trust the future to him so that you can be generous in the here and now.
Amen
Revd Graham Phillips