Acts 20:35 “I
have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support
the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is
more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
It is better to give than
receive because it comes from the loving heart. The second lesson in giving God
our best from Mary of Bethany that Pastor Kyle gave us is that (2) Generosity
won’t make sense to people who aren’t doing the first point above. Some
discount ministry with a “side-swipe” issue. Like Judas, there are people who have
hidden agendas and use issues of poverty to mock Christian ministry, while
having self-interests in mind. The deeper truth of godliness should always be
pursued. Honesty and integrity are key attributes in giving our best.
A couple lessons that we learn
from Judas’ deceptive and dishonest response are (a) pointed questions in
public settings often reveal hidden motives beneath the surface. Money was on
Judas’ heart; not Jesus. Little becomes of this incident, but it is both
disturbing and frustrating in light of the contrasting generosity of Mary. Christ
is the agenda, our model and our goal is to grow more like Him daily. It
matters what Jesus thinks; not what we think, so we need to align our will with
the will of the Lord. Godly talk is the right way to talk and godly actions are
the right way to act.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8a “But
this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he
who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So
let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly
or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And
God is able to make all grace abound toward you.”
(b) Hard questions are
perfectly appropriate to ask in the right context and setting, but should be
asked one-on-one. The real question is “Am I giving God my best? “ The point of
the church is to figure out what is right in the eyes of the Lord and speak
truth in every area and way of our life. Meeting spiritual needs and
communicating clearly the Word of God is essential. When relationships are
broken in Heaven and on earth, the goal is to restore those relationships. Our Sovereign,
Almighty God is big enough to deal with every sin and situation in our life.
Trust God and follow Jesus. Let go and let God.
2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be to
God for His indescribable gift!”
Thank you Lord, for your
church and allowing us to be a part of it as a cheerful and generous giver. Thy
will be done.
In Christ, Brian
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