Christians are called to bare fruit in our lives as a clear sign we are truly born again. But when it comes to money , how many are truly free from the allure of the world . To live in this world with open hands means that we will not hold on to money like the world. That the treasure we want to store up is found in heaven . They are good works done in Christ and for God by serving our fellow believers and neighbours .
Yes we need to pay our bills, feed our families etc... but to hoard and to act like the world shows that we have a root in our lives that needs to be pruned. Money is a great tool and gift from God . If we have been blessed with much or little , we all need to look in the mirror to see if we are clutching on to money like Scrooge prior to his visits from those three faithful ghost.
As James says , what good is our faith if we see a need and just pray and say go your way but we have resources to help in a real tangible way. That is no faith and we deceive ourselves if you can look around at your life and see no compassionate giving , no mercy and no open hands in some real way that impacts another person. It could be family,stranger,friend,charity or a little girl/boy sponsored in some poor country but you should be able to have a check-list of giving . A giving that exults God and honours Jesus.
The question is how can we not when we ponder what God has given to us , His son , Jesus who is our treasure . The more He becomes our treasure then our hands will be open to others freely .
1 comment:
Always give with a thankful heart for what you've been given. Don't think that you have much, by the western world's standards? If you have clean running water and a flushing toilet, you're considered wealthy. A roof over your head and a full belly, you're considered wealthy. Clothes on your back and have gone to school to be able to read and write, you're considered wealthy. Everything that you have past these things is surplus. Still not convinced? Watch the new show on TV called "Consumed". Mea Culpa, too. Makes you realize how generous our gracious God really is to us and it's nothing compared to having given us His Son. Love you, Mrs Reg
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