The treasurer of a local congregation was disgusted and resigned. The church asked another person to take the position. He managed a local grain elevator. He agreed to take the position on two conditions. One, that no report from the treasurer be given for a whole year, and two, that no one ask him any questions concerning the finances of the church during that time. The church members gulped, but finally agreed, since he was a very trustworthy man in the community, and well known because most of them did business with him at the elevator.
At the end of the year, he gave a report as follows: “The indebtedness of $250,000 on the building had been paid, the minister’s salary had been sharply increased, the mission work of that congregation raised by 22% and all outstanding bills retired. Besides a rather large cash balance on hand, a building fund had been established and money set aside for renovating the auditorium.”
The congregation was shocked. They could not account for it and immediately asked for an explanation. Quietly the treasurer answered, “Most of you bring your grain to my elevator. As you did business with me, I simply withheld ten percent on your behalf and gave it to the church in your name. You never missed it.”
I bet we would all be shocked what our contribution would be if we all gave ten percent. Do we really know what percentage we give? Will a man rob God is a powerful question.
Ken Tyler
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