Daily devotion – Something funny?
2Co 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Paul did not mince his words when writing to Timothy of riches…. 1 Tom 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
The way to live is to live a life of giving.
But sometimes people just don’t seem to be cheerful or hilarious givers as Paul teaches us….!
Philip Yancey says of this passage – “The hilarity comes because the art of giving is at its core irrational. It destroys the aura of worth surrounding money….giving flagrantly sets it free.”
Giving just does not make sense to the materialist. They say “It’s crazy!” That is why it is so laughably joyous.
The Bible tells us that money invested in God’s kingdom is the only money you will actually ever see again! This promise comes straight from Jesus lips – “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21
Giving actually bears interest in Heaven.
Some last points for you to reflect on and consider:
– In what way does money exert its power over you?
– In what way does materialism among Christians (either real or perceived) inhibit our witness to the Gospel?
– What steps can you take to see your money again?