This passage albeit at the end of the letter is still very, very important for both the giver and the receiver. God is the conduit by which one gives out of faith, duty and love and those who are in the ministry (as well as the churches) live by faith, duty and love. While the NT is not clear about the concept of tithing (as was the case in Genesis and Malachi) the concept to me is greater. We are to lay all at the foot of Christ, not just 10% but all. Someone once told me that when you look at a person's checkbook or nowadays their itemized credit card purchases, you can see where their heart is. Take away the "bare necessities" and analyze our purchases, we can see how much we spend on "kingdom" things and how much we spend on ourselves. I have been praying for our ST missions team that is currently in Cambodia and have used the prior team's video presentation as a springboard to pray. The abject poverty level and the disparity of wealth is enormous yet these people survive and in their hearts, thrive after receiving the Gospel. It took me back to the days in DR where we spent a grueling week while these people spend their whole lives.
We can go "through the motions" of giving, praying and being a Christian yet the bottom line is this. What have we done to the least of these and how have we brought them into the Kingdom. I guess that what makes Heaven appealing to all - especially those that are poor and needy. Just a thought as we celebrate love (or at least the Hallmark and flowers stores say we should). Don't worry, I took care of business.
Still praying for the STM, GG, David and Irene! Also for the Rodgers family and those who are grieving and sick.
Praise for today: Praise Him for his healing power and answered prayer!
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