Excelling in Giving

2Co 8:3-4 NLT - For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.

2Co 9:9 NLT - As the Scriptures say, "They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever."

   Do you ever look around and thank God for all the assets that surround us?  Think of every seat in the church, ready for eager hearers of the gospel.  Thank God for all the individuals and families God has brought to us through his providence; and the faithful ministers who spread God’s great seeds from the Word of God.  Think also of the roads and buildings. For these constructed items were planned, the lands cleared, the materials gathered, and skillful workers produced wares that have stood for years allowing us to assemble and hear of God’s great love.  What if the previous generations had not looked forward in sacrificing their current resources for the benefit of those who would come after them, such as us?

  What are we giving ahead?  There are obviously times of plenty, and times of poverty; but for most of us we are blessed with abundance.  Sometimes it is seen financially by being able to buy luxuries.  At other times it is time itself that we have in abundance allowing for idleness and frivolous activities.  We do not have what we have in order to consume it for ourselves, but actually so that we can share with others.  Where are we placing our extra?

   In 2 Corinthians chapters 8 & 9 Paul reminds them about an idea they had when he visited previously.  They had heard about the struggles of the Christians in Jerusalem and they shared with Paul that an offering should be gathered and sent to help.  In this part of the letter Paul tells them how the idea was met with such enthusiasm in another church, and that he was coming back soon so the Corinthians could literally ‘put their money where their mouth was’ in completing the task.

2Co 8:11-12 CSB - Now also finish the task, so that just as there was an eager desire, there may also be a completion, according to what you have. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.

   I know there are many opportunities available locally to lead discussions, reach our community, invest in the future and so forth.  Satan continues to work to kill, steal, and destroy what God has built, but we know that the gates of Hell will not stand against the advancement of the gospel.  Where are you giving back to God?