So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth. 3 John 8
“Enlist on your behalf an army without weapons, without war, without bloodshed, without anger, without stain, an army of God-fearing old men, of God-beloved orphans, of widows, armed with gentleness, of men [and women] adorned with love. Obtain with your wealth, as guards for your body and soul, such ones as these, whose commander is God. Through them the sinking ship rises, steered by the prayers of saints alone; and sickness at its height is subdued, put to flight by the laying on of hands; the attack of robbers is made harmless, being stripped of its weapons by prayers; and the violence of daimones is shattered, reduced to impotence by confident commands. Effective soldiers are these, and steadfast guardians, not one idle, not one useless. One is able to beg your life from God, another to hearten you when sick, another to weep and lament in sympathy on your behalf before the the Lord of all, another to teach some part of what is useful for salvation, another to give outspoken warning, another friendly counsel, and to love you truly without guile, fear, hypocrisy, flattery, or pretense.”
Clement of Alexandria (150-215) in Quis dives salvetur 34-35 (The Rich Man’s Salvation) in Wealth and Poverty in Early Church and Society, ed. Susan R. Holman (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008) 38.
Clement urges the rich person with wealth to support effective soldiers and steadfast guardians. Do you have wealth? Do you know any people who fit the descriptions listened above?
As this is the time of year when people make lists of the things they want for themselves at Christmas. What if, instead, we got together (as couples or families or with friends) and reasoned to support such soldiers with the resources God has supplied.
In places like Egypt, where I fly to tomorrow, when we support God’s workers there, we become partners with them. We mobilize them and send them forth armed not with weapons but with gentleness and love.
Spend your wealth on such people as these. Pray and follow God’s leading as to what effective soldiers you will support. Does a missionary or maybe a young Christian worker come to mind? Or perhaps an organization equipping such workers?
Should you desire to invest in the international accountability efforts that have me working with such guardians around the globe, stay tuned. God is bringing together an organization that will need your support and prayers very soon.