Proverbs 11:24
"There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty.
In the gospel of Luke 21: 1 - 4, says as Jesus looked up, He saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He even saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. Truly I tell you, He said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she has to live on."
Lord Jesus is indicting the teachers of the law who looked down widows & people who were considered small in their eyes, what are the things Jesus is noticing as people out their gifts in the temple treasury? It is interesting to note that at what we are giving but what we are holding back. God loves a cheerful giver. But at times we are afraid what if we give all, we shall have less than what we had before.
The widow's faith is in the One who is enough for her. Our giving demonstrates in whom our faith lies.
Years back in the city of Mapusa (Goa) a Pastor had organised a crusade, and after the meeting he was specially invited to pray for a Christian family in his busy schedule. He made the time to go and meet this family and entered a beautiful bunglow to his surprise. The owner of the bunglow was an old retired officer who had worked in Gulf for several years. The house was indeed beautiful and much admirable and the Pastor said in a soft voice truly sir, the Lord has blessed you and immediately the man replied, Ah! It's not God, it's my hardwork of years that I have put into making this empire. To the Pastor's surprise, he thought this Christian man must be too generous in sharing, loving, caring, humble & God fearing but the reality was far beyond the truth. The rich man was holding even the praises that were due unto God.
More than giving generously, we have learned to hold it back effectively. What are we trusting on or what are we afraid of, that we cannot give freely. Just not finances, but are we able to give freely if need arises without expectation. In this busy world, 3 hours of Sunday service has become a ritual, dare it exceeds more 30 minutes and the church pews starts getting vacant. We are not even giving to God, what He needs from us, what about the people around us ?
The "Golden Rule" was proclaimed by Jesus of Nazareth during his Sermon on the Mount and described by him as the second great commandment
Luke 6:31 "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise."
Prayer - Lord Jesus give me grace to Praise and Worship you for whatever you have done for me in this life. May I not withhold anything that is due unto you and the people around me in Jesus name.
留言