GROWING IN CHRIST
Acts 11:29 “The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea.” (NIV)
This verse reveals a kindred spirit toward fellow Christians which should be common among all believers. Fellow Christians are not just people, fellow church members, common members in the faith; they are “brothers and sisters in Christ.”
Do you view Christians and Christian ministries in a cold manner when they have needs, or does your heart respond as a brother/sister in Christ? I am not suggesting you have an obligation to help every brother in the Lord, but what I am suggesting is your consideration of the unique relationship that you have with every person who knows Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
You must be careful not to allow your view of money to distort your ability to see people through God’s eyes with a heart of compassion for the kingdom of God. God does not give you a simple formula for handling money, but you can use these three questions to check your heart to assure you are in alignment with Christ:
1) Are you devoted to Christ or to your money and the things you have? Matthew 6:24 teaches, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
2) Are you trusting God for His provision or trusting yourself? Matthew 6:25 states, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, “And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work.”
3) Do you see your giving as an opportunity for God to use the resources He has entrusted to you for His kingdom? 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 promises, “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”
Ask these three questions next time a brother in Christ seeks help, personally, or for God’s work, in order to better position yourself to hear God. Prayerfully seek God’s wisdom, hear His will, and act obediently, knowing that you live in the hands of a loving Father who will care for you!
Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” (NIV)
