“How often have we heard, “all the church cares about is money?” To such a person, the offering becomes an opportunity to rationalize his hostile attitude. The offering isn’t really meant for such a person. As a matter of fact, it has been my experience that giving doesn’t come by way of the new convert either.
Offerings spring out of the deep—the deepness of abiding in Christ’s grace. When people mature in Christ, offerings can flow more freely. Indeed, the Christian offers his whole life up to God as a response to His mercy (Romans 12:1-2). The offering only makes sense when seen in the light of Christ. When Christ holds the strings to open my heart, He will in time hold the purse strings as well.”
John the Steadfast (1468-1532), was Elector of Saxony and known as the first Protestant of the Reformation. The Brothers of John the Steadfast celebrate his legacy, and this excerpt comes from their “Notes on the Liturgy #15” by Oberdieck and Mathey.