This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
2 Corinthians 9:12
Money bestowed in charity, may to the carnal mind seem thrown away, but when given from proper principles, it is seed sown, from which a valuable increase may be expected. It should be given carefully. Works of charity, like other good works, should be done with thought and design. Due thought, as to our circumstances, and those we are about to relieve, will direct our gifts for charitable uses. Help should be given freely, be it more or less; not grudgingly, but cheerfully. While some scatter, and yet increase; others withhold more than is meet, and it tends to poverty. If we had more faith and love, we should waste less on ourselves, and sow more in hope of a plentiful increase.
Can a man lose by doing that with which God is pleased? He is able to make all grace abound towards us, and to abound in us; to give a large increase of spiritual and of temporal good things. He can make us to have enough in all things; and to be content with what we have. God gives not only enough for ourselves, but that also wherewith we may supply the wants of others, and this should be as seed to be sown. We must show the reality of our subjection to the gospel, by works of charity. This will be for the credit of our profession, and to the praise and glory of God. Let us endeavor to copy the example of Christ, being unwearied in doing good, and deeming it more blessed to give than to receive. Bible Hub
Have you ever thought about how much of your regular giving goes to reach those who have never heard about the Gospel? While other ministries are very important and deserve our support, we should be especially attentive to our support of those who have not yet heard the gospel. In the 21st century, there are over 6,600 unreached people groups who are thirsty for the good news. Religious giving is 32% of the U.S. charitable giving each year. Only 4.3% goes to foreign missions, and less than half of one percent goes toward reaching the least evangelized. Surprisingly little of our resources make it to the least reached people—but it doesn’t have to be this way. Each believer can help increase the resources going to those who have the least opportunity to hear the gospel.
“It is not what you gather but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.”
— Helen Walton
Reflection: What if all the money you gave in a year was like water flowing out of a pitcher and into various glasses on the table? Which glasses would be most full? One with quite a bit of water might be the glass for your local church. Another might be a key ministry that you support faithfully. Now look at the other glasses on the table that are near empty. Which ones are they? What do your missions glasses look like? More specifically what does the glass for missions to those have not yet heard the gospel look like? Use this visual picture (and today’s Missiographic) to consider your current giving patterns. Then ask God if you need to make some changes.
Prayer: Dear God, so many times my giving priorities are not made in prayer and with an understanding of Your Kingdom priorities. Help me to seek You as I give and invest in the things that You would have me support. I pray that the resources needed to reach those who have never heard the gospel would be mobilized by the power of Your Holy Spirit and the obedience of Your people. Amen
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