Churches need money, of course—not just to keep their own programs going, but to reach out to those who don’t know Christ and to help those in need. I’m sure your pastor sees these opportunities, and he doesn’t want your church to miss out on what God wants to do through it.

Ask God, therefore, to help you see these few weeks as an opportunity—an opportunity to find out what your church is doing for Christ, and to share in it. God wants us to be partners with Him in what He is doing around the world, and one way we do this is through our financial support. The Bible says, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

To be blunt, however, some people resent any mention of money in church because they think more of their money than they do of God’s work. I hope that’s not true of you—but ask God to help you examine your heart to be sure Christ is first in your life. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. … You cannot serve both God and Money” (Matthew 6:24).

Then if you still feel your church is placing too much emphasis on finances, speak privately to one of your church officers or the pastor. They should welcome your concern.