This last Sunday, our church
was privileged to the preaching of retired pastor, evangelist Kirk Mackie on
the book of Haggai. Pastor Mackie answered the question of “what do we really
need in life?” by asking that it depends on the person’s circumstances. Having
no food, or clean water, or adequate clothes and shelter would be an obviously
need for any person in such circumstances. But, there are circumstances where
we can put selfish greed above obvious need in life. We all need to consider
our ways.
John 3:16a “For
God so loved the world that He gave”
A major part of Christianity
is stewardship. A “steward” in Scripture
and theology is defined as a minister of Christ, whose duty is to dispense the
provisions of the gospel, to preach its doctrines and administer its
ordinances. Being that every Christian is commissioned in ministry of the kingdom
of Jesus Christ, we are all called to be a “good steward” with the heart of
God; our loving and giving heavenly Father. The child of God is to be a
blessing to those people around us.
Proverbs 11:25 “The
generous soul will be made rich, aAnd he who waters will also be watered
himself.”
But, we must understand that
in our naturalistic, humanistic and materialistic culture in which we live, the
cultural order of priorities are (1st) life-style, (2nd)
debt, (3rd) saving & (4th) giving. The God-honoring
order of priorities for our lives are (1st) giving, (2nd)
saving & (3rd) life-style. What is missing is the slavery to
debt. Instead of debt and financial slavery, God wants us to live a life of
freedom and generosity as a “good steward” with the gifts that He has given. We
do not fill needs by buying things in order to feel better. It is truly
incredible how much is spent daily on non-necessities, luxuries and pleasures;
buying the tempting lure that we deserve to have whatever we want, whenever we
want.
Proverbs 22:9 “He
who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to
the poor.”
Pastor Kirk points out the generosity
and gratitude go hand-in-hand. Gratitude, in general, produces delayed
gratification natural. The question is: “Do we live with a spirit of gratitude
or ingratitude?” There truly is so much to be thankful for that we miss; little
things and big things all around us. Do we stop and smell the roses along the
way? Almighty Creator God made the cosmos, solar system, earth and it’s
inhabitants in the perfect anthropomorphic (built for life) state of existence.
Do we take His creation, His Word and His work for granted? Or, do we put God
first (being obedient, grateful and generous), allowing us to be open to His blessings?
1 Timothy 6:17-19 “Command
those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in
uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to
enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to
give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for
the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
How to live generously allows
begins with trusting God for our welfare. One title for God is Jehovah Jireh,
which translates to “God, our Provider”. The providence of our Maker is the
care and superintendence which God exercises over his creatures. He that
acknowledges a creation and denies a providence, involves himself in a palpable
contradiction; for the same power which caused a thing to exist is necessary to
continue its existence. A belief in divine providence, is a source of great
consolation to good men. By divine providence is often understood God himself. Consider your ways! Live generously as good stewards and watch the blessings go forth.
In Christ, Brian
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