“Come in, Nate,” the Rector said with a warm smile. “Make yourself comfortable.”
Nate had been anticipating this conversation for some time—a chance to discuss his thoughts with the Rector and gain insight into the spiritual impact of giving. The Rector was well-known for bringing clarity to such matters.
Once they were both settled, the Rector smiled. “So, Nate, what’s on your mind? I’m all ears.”
Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Nate began. “You know I love the Nave even in its current state of construction. I stopped in the other night after the Stewardship meeting and was struck by the image of Christ in the Triptych. It got me thinking about how we ourselves are transfigured by our actions and commitment. I started to wonder about the spiritual impact of giving—what it does to us, beyond just the act itself.”
The Rector’s eyes lit up. “That’s an interesting insight. Tell me more about that.”
Nate chuckled softly. “Honestly, I was hoping you could help me with that. Standing alone in the empty Nave, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t empty at all. I kept replaying things my father taught me about giving. But I’m here because I need some guidance from a professional.”
A very earnest look formed on the Rector’s face. “God doesn’t limit spiritual insight to those who wear a collar, Nate. We’re all part of a royal priesthood, charged with bringing the Kingdom of Heaven just a little closer to the Earth.”
Nate let the words sink in, taking a deep breath. “You’re right,” he said. “Lately, your sermons have been about being ‘Salt and Light’ and how James connects faith with action. The Rector nodded. “And vice versa. What we do becomes the evidence of our faith. That’s discipleship.”
Nate smiled and recited, “Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi.”
The Rector’s face lit up with delight. “You have been paying attention! You know how to make a preacher’s day.”
A wave of nostalgia warmed Nate, and he couldn’t help but recall his father’s words about the roof of the church resembling a boat and why we call it the “Nave.” His father had always joked that Episcopalians loved their Latin phrases because they sounded more meaningful.
They both sat there a moment chuckling and then Nate said, “I am starting to connect the dots, Father. It’s a chicken-and-egg question. What we believe and pray for will, if we allow it, shape what we do. I guess you could say that the reverse is also true. It’s hard to say which comes first. That’s why we say we ‘practice’ religion because it involves action on our part and the more we do those actions the more we change into what we say we believe.”
“Keep going,” the Rector encouraged.
Nate continued, “My father told me that throughout life we are called upon to provide for the things we love. He always emphasized the difference between commitment and generosity. As I have grown older, I see that commitment is an act of the will, whereas generosity is more of an emotional response. Could it be that by committing ourselves, especially financially, we are transformed? That when we give—not just because we enjoy the music or the flowers—but because we are all in this together, preserving something sacred for future generations, we’re changed?
“Like salt preserving something valuable,” the Rector added as he sat back in his chair and smiled. “Nate, I think you have your answers.”
Nate grinned. “I think I’ve found a good starting point, at least.”
The Rector leaned forward. “How about we wrap this up with a prayer?”
“Sure,” Nate said, bowing his head and closing his eyes.
“Why don’t you lead us?” the Rector prompted.
Caught off guard, Nate hesitated for a moment, took a deep breath, and said, “Father, you give us opportunities to grow into what you desire us to be. Just as you equipped my parents to teach my sister and me the satisfaction of putting coins in our ‘God Boxes,’ help us guide others in discovering that same fulfillment. Lead us in the Way of your Son, and in being his disciples, may we be transfigured into lights for the world to see.”
When he heard the Rector say, “Amen,” Nate, having always been uncomfortable praying aloud before others, was surprised how natural the words had felt.
“Nicely done, Nate,” the Rector said with a proud smile. “I can’t wait to see where this understanding takes you—and the Stewardship Committee.”
Written by Al Blackwell | Illustrations by TJ McCoy