SHARING THE BLESSING!

I WANT MORE!

Be careful what you ask for!

There is a lot of controversy in the church world about what God wants for us as Christians. Some believe we are "King's kids" and deserve the best, most expensive and most luxurious of everything!

Others believe in the simple life for Christians. To them, a small place to lay our heads, one or two pairs of shoes and some stale bread should be enough. Any extra will puff us up in pride and make us too comfortable  to be useful for God's kingdom here on earth.

I'm sure that, like many theological concepts, the truth is in the middle. I believe it is also somewhat individual. Some may need to live more simply while God may allow some move to move somewhat more toward the other spectrum.

Perhaps the more cogent question is, "What are we to do with whatever blessings God gives us?"

Jesus told the rich young ruler to "Sell all that you have and give to the poor." (Luke 18:22) Yet in the very next chapter Jesus is visiting Zacchaeus' house. Zacchaeus proclaims "I give HALF of my goods to the poor." Jesus did not tell Zacchaeus that half was not enough! Instead, He declared, "Today salvation has come to this house!" (Luke 19:8-9)

Do you see how Jesus treated these cases individually?

He told the rich, young ruler that he must give ALL to obtain salvation but allowed Zacchaeus to only give HALF!

Jesus knew the hearts of all men, and in His perfectly righteous judgment, set the terms for each man! 

THE SIMPLE MATH OF CHRISTIAN WEALTH!

One thing is certain. There is a price for being blessed!

For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

Luke 12:48

If God has given greater or extra material blessings to you or me, it is clear that more will be required of us!

Rather than a dogmatic theological position of how much wealth a Christian should have, God has given us some simple math to guide us:

IF WHAT YOU RECEIVE INCREASES, GOD WILL EXPECT WHAT YOU GIVE TO INCREASE AS WELL!

If God gives you a good car, you will be expected to use it to give people rides!

If God gives you a home, God will expect you to share it at times with those who have none!

If you make or receive more money, you will be expected to share that wealth with the poor!

And so on and so on!

The American way is to accumulate wealth for ourselves, while others suffer along with little or nothing. We are constantly engaged in buying bigger houses, better cars and more gadgets for personal comfort. I am not saying we should never treat ourselves or own anything valuable, but we must be willing to share.

The book of Acts records that those in the early church sold their lands and possessions to give to those who had need.

The next time you ask God for a material blessing, include asking Him how He will expect you to share that blessing when it comes!