Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. 2 Corinthians 8:14
“Our study of money leads us to one inescapable conclusion: we who follow Jesus Christ are called to a vow of simplicity. The vow is not for the dedicated few but for all. It is not an option to take or leave depending on our personal preference.
All who name Christ as Lord and Savior are obliged to follow what He says, and Jesus’ call to discipleship in money can be best summed up in the single word simplicity. Simplicity seeks to do justice to our Lord’s many-faceted teachings about money.”
Richard Foster in The Challenge of the Disciplined Life: Christian Reflections on Money, Sex, and Power (New York: HarperCollins, 1985) 71.
I’ve made it safely home and have to share a story that took place while I have been traveling. I will keep the names anonymous, but I must share what happened because the story exalts the God of heaven!
I’ve had the privilege of helping a friend as a teacher and coach over the years. Out of the blue that person asked if I had a need. I did. I had been asking God to supply a need for weeks.
As a couple, they talked and replied. Rather than get into the details, I want to emphasize the big idea. Doing justice to Jesus’ teachings means that sometimes we help others and sometimes they help us.
We are all in this together! We do justice to the teachings of Jesus by showing our faith in times of need (with fervent prayer to God) and sharing in times of abundance (so needs are met).
I shared out of my experience when help was needed. The couple shared God’s resources following His leading to meet a need they perceived we had. Notice how our stewardship is always linked to what we have.
And this is not optional. Following Christ is choosing simplicity! Thanks friends for your obedience in sharing! We praise God for how you are putting His money to work in ways that bring Him glory! May this be true of all of us so we do justice to the teachings of our Lord!