“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19
I am so grateful for a church that is mission minded and generously gives to see the Gospel go to the ends of the earth. We have looked at Paul's instruction to Timothy and have realized that we are all rich in many ways. But the key is to be rich in good works, ready to distribute to those in need. We also need to remember that it is not just meeting a physical need, but to meet a spiritual need. All good things come from the Lord. The fact that we are able to give is only a testimony of God’s provision in our life.
When Paul instructed the rich to “do good,” he used the word, agathoergeo, which is a compound of agathos and ergos. The word agathos means good or beneficial, and the word ergos is the most common word in the New Testament for work, presenting the idea of someone who is very active. When you put them together it means to do works that are beneficial, excellent, or helpful to others. It puts intentionality to our giving. It shows someone working hard at giving to the right people and to the right places.
There is also a sense of excitement portrayed when Paul doesn’t stop at “do good.” He continues to say, be rich in good deeds, be generous, and willing to share. It’s almost as if he is saying, “Use the resources God has entrusted you with to leave people in better shape than they were before you encountered them. You should be excited about every opportunity that comes your way to be generous.”
God requires everyone to be a giver. He exemplified that when He came only to give and to serve. So if God has blessed you financially, then you are called to go above and beyond what others do because you have the ability to do more. So let me share something you can be excited about.
This Sunday we will be taking a Legacy Offering during the morning services. We want to give to things that will make an eternal impact in our community. Our We Care Ministry has met with Hope House and decided to give Sunday’s offering to help families get a good start who finish their program. The mission of Hope House is to eliminate homelessness and alleviate poverty. I was impressed with how they work closely with several agencies in town as to not duplicate their services and meet as many needs as possible. Brochures will be available on Sunday with details of this effective ministry to the less fortunate.
I urge you to go before the Lord and allow His Spirit to speak to your heart about how much He wants you to give in this offering. Rather than just thoughtlessly drop money into the offering basket, be intentional about joyfully giving to the Hope House which will use it to impact families and give them a good start to a new life. Let us rejoice together that we have the ability to make a huge difference in others for the Kingdom of God.
Sunday is also the beginning of Holy Week. It begins with Palm Sunday and continues on to Easter Sunday and beyond, providing many opportunities to invite new guests and celebrate the life God has given to us.
Joy in Jesus!
Pastor Mike
www.findlayfirstnaz.org
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