Dear Christian friends:

Are you risen with Christ? What a strange question! St. Paul implies this question when he writes to the Christians:

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:1-3)

When it is a question of serving God we should not be concerned so much about the letter of the law. The main question is not, "Does God command this or that!" but it is this: "Have I risen from sin works with Christ to a new life?" "Am I a new man in Christ?" You might also ask yourself: "Have I put off or killed my old man with his selfish affections and lusts?" Can you say with St. Paul: "I am crucified with Christ?"

When St. Paul saw how selfish his old, "I" was and what his old, proud, "I" had done to the innocent Christ on the cross, he was struck with terror. The sight of his sin and the terrible price that Christ paid, death, sent a mortal blow to his old "I".

Yet, he did not despair at that sight, but cries out staggering with triumphant faith: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

So when it comes to stewardship whether it be the stewardship of time, talents or money the question is not? "Must I do it?" but it is this "Am I a new man in Christ?" And if I am a new man in Christ I will ask: "May I do it?" and "Why can't I do it more?" And you will say with St. Paul: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13)

Thus when it comes to worship, church, Bible Class, giving, witnessing or just everyday labor we will not say with the old man: "Must I do it?" but with a joyful spirit, "Let me do it, please, God, and let me do it more and more."

When your pastor asks you to give a generous portion of your income for God's kingdom work, you will not grumble, but you will think: "How wonderful, please God bless my work prayers that I will be financially able, and please God, give me faith and a thankful heart to do it gladly."

Amen.