But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
“Knowledge of the social codes of patronage and reciprocity, then, will be of great value to our appreciation of early Christian theology. We will read about the ways God’s favor has always been and continues to be known (e.g., in creation, the preservation of life and the like) and the new ways God’s favor flows into the human situation through the person of Jesus, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the promises of deliverance and an eternal inheritance for those who approach God through Jesus. We will be alert to the ways early Christians are urged to make a suitable response to the favor of God and of Jesus or warned against responding in a disgraceful manner. We will be attuned as well to why this logic is compelling. Additionally, we will be equipped to understand many of the relationships between the people presented in the pages of the New Testament—reciprocity relationships that are sometimes merely noted or affirmed, sometimes reshaped and redirected (e.g., patronage of the community by the richer Christians being transformed into stewardship), and sometimes opposed (e.g., importing the worldly dynamics of using generosity to gain power and advance personal interests).”
David DeSilva in An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods, and Ministry Formation (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2004) 303-304.
When you think of social codes, think roles that people of a specific gender or status are expected to play. What I appreciated today from DeSilva is that he challenges us to see Christ through the lens of these codes.
Notice what comes into view.
We see Christ as saying to us. “Look, let me play the role of Provider. Just seek me first and let me sort the rest. Let me play the role of Savior. I can deliver you from the penalty and power of sin.”
And the list goes on.
When we soak in the thinking linked to social codes, we start to live in light of the reality that we have a good Father in Heaven eager to play His role, a Savior in Jesus, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
This fuels our generosity as sharing emerges as our role in the social code.
Whether you are traveling from Delhi to Bengaluru like me today or in your hometown anywhere around the world. Let’s show people the ways God’s favor flows into every corner of life by how we live.