“Whatsoever is superfluous in thy estate is to be dispersed in alms. He that hath two coats must give to him that hath none; that is, he that hath beyond his need must give that which is beyond it. Only among needs, we are to reckon not only what will support our life, but also what will maintain the decency of our estate and person, not only in present needs, but in all future necessities, and very probable contingencies, but no further: we are not obliged beyond this, unless we see very great public and calamitous necessities. But yet if we do extend beyond our measures, and give more than we are able, we have the Philippians and many holy persons for our precedent; we have St. Paul for our encouragement; we have Christ for our counselor; we have God for our rewarder; and a great treasure in heaven for our recompense and restitution.”
Jeremy Taylor (1613-1667) English cleric in The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living 4.8.12, another classic from John Wesley’s bookshelf.
My mind is still on Wesley and those who shaped his thinking and contributed to the revival movement in his day. Would you join me in praying for revival? I am praying for Christians to develop a reputation for shifting from owning things to allowing only that which attends to basic needs to stay with us so that we become known for treasuring Christ above all else.
As Taylor instructs, let’s follow the examples set forth in Scripture. Let’s live in light of eternity. As the days of Lent draw near, join us and many other Christians in considering your own almsgiving. Ask God whom you are to bless with “whatever is superfluous in thy estate.” And let us “extend beyond our measures, and give more than we are able!”