Of Faith, Hope & Love
Right at the onset of the project, I have said our fund-raising is not just about meeting targets. The ‘journey’ is also important, especially doing it in a way that pleases the Lord. For example, I have said we should never give out of peer pressure or to please another person. Thus, as Vicar I do not want to know who is giving and the amount. You will also not find me spiritualising the process in an unbiblical/unethical way or impute guilt.
There are however good principles and reasons for giving.
I give because I believe in the Church. I will invest in charity work, meet some urgent crisis relief needs, or ensure my children’s future educational needs are secure etc. But I will also give serious consideration to church work because I believe in the long term place and influence of the local church in all her multifaceted roles both in Singapore and beyond. I believe in the local church. I have faith that “He will build His Church and that the gates of Hell will not prevail against it.”
I give for the sake of future generations. I am conscious of those in the past who have invested for our sakes. I dream ahead, and see many more being blessed by this new building at Leedon Road. And what a location! Currently, we have a base of about 800 users on weekends. These new facilities could comfortably accommodate up to 4000 users. Or more, if we are creative about other time slots. It may not happen immediately of course. But who can tell what the future may hold? What about other language services? We already have almost a million foreigners working or studying here. And after my time on earth is over, this church will carry on blessing those after me. I have hopes for the future of the Church.
I give because it expresses my commitment or love of something or someone. Do you love your church? Is this your family? Do you know you are called – you and those coming after you – to sink your roots here, grow and serve? If you have not crossed this Rubicon, perhaps this is a good time to prayerfully bring this before the Lord. The modern world is marked by ‘rootless’ and ‘nomadic’ Christians, especially here in urbanised Singapore. It may be a phenomena but it is not a biblical picture of church life. Will you be any different? Can you say: “I am a member of SJC family and I love her, rain or shine!”
It is not about the amount. It is about our hearts. If there is ‘faith, hope and love’ in the way we view this family, it will affect the way we give. May this ‘in-between’ period be a time for us to clarify our commitments and convictions.