Today’s study is a good follow-on from yesterday’s material on the six dangers that often arise out of our quest for wealth and power.
Of the five important issues, that Selwyn writes about today, regarding Jesus’ teaching on money I think the last point is the key which unlocks the Christian heart and brings glory to God. Selwyn writes: “Fifth, giving to others ought to bring spiritual as well as material liberation. … Giving that doesn’t bring a message of spiritual liberation is nothing more than do-good paternalism. Our giving ought to draw attention to Jesus, God’s great gift – ‘his gift too wonderful for words’.”
The other aspect of sharing wealth God has given to us to manage is that sometimes people in need will refuse to accept help. Often they see it as a response born out of a desire to retain their dignity/independence; and, also so they will not be indebted to anyone, which they see as an outcome – if they accept ‘charity’. If a Christian, who has known financial difficulties, refuses to accept a gift to help them over a rough patch they need to carefully examine their motives.
The greatest gift of all is offered by Jesus through his death and resurrection. If a person can’t accept a minuscule gift from a fellow Christian (which is really a very small gift from God) then how is it that they can gratefully accepted the gift of eternal life from Jesus – a priceless gift! Have they really accepted ‘the Gift of gifts’ – or is there an independent spirit still residing in their heart who won’t put their hand out to accept it? (Even, when they believe, in the value of what is being offered.) What do you think?
The Gift of gifts
Today’s study is a good follow-on from yesterday’s material on the six dangers that often arise out of our quest for wealth and power.
Of the five important issues, that Selwyn writes about today, regarding Jesus’ teaching on money I think the last point is the key which unlocks the Christian heart and brings glory to God. Selwyn writes: “Fifth, giving to others ought to bring spiritual as well as material liberation. … Giving that doesn’t bring a message of spiritual liberation is nothing more than do-good paternalism. Our giving ought to draw attention to Jesus, God’s great gift – ‘his gift too wonderful for words’.”
The other aspect of sharing wealth God has given to us to manage is that sometimes people in need will refuse to accept help. Often they see it as a response born out of a desire to retain their dignity/independence; and, also so they will not be indebted to anyone, which they see as an outcome – if they accept ‘charity’. If a Christian, who has known financial difficulties, refuses to accept a gift to help them over a rough patch they need to carefully examine their motives.
The greatest gift of all is offered by Jesus through his death and resurrection. If a person can’t accept a minuscule gift from a fellow Christian (which is really a very small gift from God) then how is it that they can gratefully accepted the gift of eternal life from Jesus – a priceless gift! Have they really accepted ‘the Gift of gifts’ – or is there an independent spirit still residing in their heart who won’t put their hand out to accept it? (Even, when they believe, in the value of what is being offered.) What do you think?