Skin in the Game

The phrase “skin in the game” originated from horse racing. Owners of the racehorses had the most to gain or lose because they had “skin in the game.” Today this phrase is most often used in financial and investment circles. Bankers like to see a large down payment when lending money because the borrower has more “skin in the game,” making it less likely that they would ever have to foreclose.

In the world of fundraising, donors who make major gifts expect to be informed of progress on stated goals and projects; outcomes and impact are very important for those with substantial “skin in the game.” And it is not just financial skin. Contributing talent and time puts real skin on the financial skin. The combination, or the trifecta gifts of time, talent, and treasure go beyond having “skin in the game.” At this point you are all in, down to the bone.

Jesus said if you want to follow me, pick up your cross – daily. I guess you could say Jesus is asking us to have skin, bone, and soul in the game. Whereas a contract between people requires some skin, a covenant with Christ requires our whole being. Where Moses set out the 10% tithing rule, Jesus gave it all; once and for all. The covenantal relationship joins us with Jesus – just like a marriage.

Being a disciple, and a member of the Body of Christ, is a covenantal relationship between me and all my brothers and sisters in Christ. Intellectually I can understand the idea of covenant. However, living the covenant from the heart is another matter. There was a time in my life when I thought stewardship was having some “skin in the game”. As I grew closer to Christ, I desired more from our relationship and giving a little skin was not enough. I learned that if I want all of Jesus, I must give all of Gary.

When it comes to the church, I cannot help but think that our stewardship programs center on increasing annual giving rather than increasing Christ in our hearts. We ask people to increase their “skin in the game” while Jesus desires our hearts and souls. Is it any wonder why so many churches are in decline? I wonder how many people left our church because they were seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus and found it in the church down the street? I have heard people bemoan that one of their largest givers left the church. They need that “skin in the game.” Funny, I rarely hear expressions of grief when a prayer warrior moves away. Could it be that our faith is only skin deep?