You’re quite familiar with the words of Matthew 6:33, I’m sure.
Seek first God’s Kingdom and live righteously, the passage says, and the everyday needs of your life will be provided by God.
We trust this promise and have seen it affirmed countless times during our lives.
Yet, because we’re human, we are prone to taking our eyes off of the promise and taking hold of lies the world dangles in front of us regarding the desire for stuff or peer approval or outright physical cravings.
It stinks when we fail in this way. And we all have at one point or another.
That’s why I’m always grateful for biblical reminders about the wisdom of placing God and others ahead of ourselves.
The Apostle Paul provided a potent reminder in Philippians 4:18-19, part of today’s reading in the One-Year Bible.
“I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”
When the apparently blue-collar congregation at Philippi sent a generous offering of missionary support to the imprisoned Paul, the support was not only financial but also emotional and spiritual. The church members didn’t send the money with an expected financial return. They sent it because of love for God and for Paul.
Yet, Paul told them that God had seen their kindness-fueled generosity and would meet ALL of their needs in a way that demonstrated His richness.
And that was certainly saying alot.
They didn’t give in order to get.
But get they did.
According to the riches of God’s glory in Jesus Christ.
Please, my friends. Don’t give to get.
Understand, though, that giving generously to the work of ministry does speak to God. And understand that God promises to speak to you through His subsequent meeting of your needs.
Remember, He’s a Daddy who cares.
As always, I love you
Martin
