One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:24-25
“Wealth in the hand of a worldling is like blood in the hand, which is good for nothing; but wealth in the hand of a charitable Christian is like water in the hand, which may be of use both to a man’s self and others.
By what has been said, there is nothing more evident that this: that men of public spirits, and men of charitable spirits, of all men on earth are (1) to be most highly prized; (2) most cordially loved; and (3) most greatly honored.”
Thomas Brooks (1608-1680) in “Epistle Dedicatory” in The Complete Works of Thomas Brooks, ed. by Rev. Alexander Balloch Grosart (Edinburgh: James Nichol, 1866) 247.
The language of the Puritans is colorful. This is the third or fourth writer I have explored in the last week that has used the term “worldling” to describe people who follow the thinking of the world. Here Brooks contrasts the worldling to the “charitable” follower of Christ.
I love his use of the word “charitable” because any wealth that we possess is a gift of “grace” for us to enjoy and share (charis in Greek means “grace”). Those who live charitably are prized, loved, and honored. Do you live charitably? It means to give generously to others whether they are deserving or not.
This is the season of graduation ceremonies here in the States. My prayer for graduates today (our son Sammy included) is that each one will chose to live not as a worldling, but rather, as a charitable Christian. Let’s model the way for them, shall we?