As my time in Indonesia draws to a close, I’ve had to start making arrangements for my return. Top of the list is the arduous task of finding a job. For me, the primary reason was so I have the means to pay for the endless bills and expenses which accompany adult life. Whilst it’s true that bills don’t pay themselves; I now have a more compelling reason to work…
“The thief [who has become a believer] must no longer steal, but instead he must work hard [making an honest living], producing that which is good with his own hands, so that he will have something to share with those in need.” (Ephesians 4:28, AMP)
In Context
I’ve never come across this text before, but I was struck by Paul’s rationale for employment: giving. Whilst it’s obvious that you can’t help others (financially) if you don’t have a source of income, most people aren’t as intentional about giving as Paul advises. His statement seems to suggest that you work in order to help others. It’s easy to assume that God is entitled to tithes alone and the rest belongs to you; however, you can also glorify God with the 90%.
Everything you have belongs to God. That includes ‘your’ money.
Acts 20:35 states that it’s “more blessed to give than to receive.” When it comes to money, I have to confess that it definitely feels like more of a blessing to receive than give! Why? Because getting money I haven’t worked for is rare (I miss you, Student Finance!). However, rather than clutching tightly to what I deem to be ‘my’ money; I must seek to impart the same joy I would experience if I received ‘free’ money. An appreciation of your role as steward will reduce your attachment to money that technically isn’t yours.
Spare or Sacrifice?
With various deductions from gross pay, it’s easy to become protective over net pay. Then, after the directs debits have chipped away at your remaining salary, chances are you’ve probably earmarked where the surviving funds will go. If you are able to work that is privilege that isn’t afforded to all. Once the necessities have been taken care of, you ought to be willing to ask God ‘how can I bless others?’ It’s easy to ask this question when you have mere leftovers; however, it requires true sacrifice to plan your non-essential expenditure around giving to others.
Don’t allow your luxuries to prevent you from helping someone else with their necessities.
I’m all for self-care and I’ve personally bought my fair share of edible and inedible ‘treats’ in the past. I really wouldn’t have considered that selfish, but Proverbs 3:27 has inspired a rethink. Do you ignore those whom it’s in your power to help in favour of meeting your own needs? Of course you can’t help everyone… but perhaps there’s someone who needs the money you were planning to spend on your umpteenth pair of shoes. Or maybe if you simply bought less expensive things, or ate out less often you’d have more to give.
Silly or Sensible?
To some, it might feel as though giving to others would be silly given their own expenses or debts. It’s simply not feasible, you say. Whilst I’m not privy to your financial status, I do happen to know that God is pleased with those who choose to be faithful with little (Luke 16:10). It’s less about the monetary value, and more about your willingness. If you choose not to give when you have little, there’s nothing to suggest you’ll do so when you have much.
Giving is an opportunity for you to draw closer to God.
The wisdom which God freely bestows (James 1:5) extends to whom, and how much, you should give. The promise of Psalm 41:1 makes it clear that God notices and cares for those who take care of the less fortunate. It seems paradoxical that stingy givers are the ones who run the risk of poverty; whereas, those who give generously don’t face that predicament (Proverbs 11:24-25). Giving to the Lord (via serving others) is always a sensible decision because God takes care of His own.
Applied
- Pray for a more generous heart. A heart that truly believes giving is better than receiving, and never misses an opportunity to give when able.
- Think of someone who might need financial help and ask them how you could be of service. Be mindful that not everyone wants help (even if they need it) so it’s best to check.
- Review your spending and see where you can cut costs. Reserve this money for your ‘giving budget,’ not personal spending.
So…
You are stewarding your income irresponsibly if you neglect your duty to help others in order to make your life more comfortable. If you are employed, offering financial assistance to those in need is part of your ‘Christian job description.’ Shirking this responsibility means missing out on the blessing of being a blessing.
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