Without Blemish

Yearly Reading: Leviticus 21-23

You shall not offer anything that has a blemish, for it will not be acceptable in your behalf. Leviticus 22:20 NRSV

Let's talk a moment about parsonage and youth group furniture. As I happen to be familiar with both, I would like to say a few words. Don't give your cast-off furniture to your church's youth group nor to your pastor's home. I can't tell you how many churches I have been a part of where the sofas are nasty sagging monstrosities - in the youth room as well as the parsonage. But somehow, well-meaning folks in the church think giving what they don't want anymore to their church is a good thing.

Certainly finding a home other than the dump is a great act of stewardship. However, we must be careful that we aren't giving just cast-offs to God through the church.

Leviticus is clear when it comes to bringing an offering of an animal to the altar. It must be one without blemish. And too often our cast-offs have many blemishes - why else would we not want them in our own homes? If you don't want them in your home, why give them to God's? God wants your best - from your prayer life to your gifts.

God, while we are trying to be good stewards, remind us that you always want us to give you our best. Help us to remember that the church is one of the best places to give our best to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims