Someone has said that money speaks; it says, “Bye, bye!” Perhaps we continue to experience our money disappearing fast. In Proverbs we even find wealth described as sprouting wings and flying away. (Proverbs 23:4-5) The same can be true of our time as well; it flies!
What does our “spending” say about us? When we look at that on which we spend our money and our time, what does it reveal? The statement has been made, “Show me your checkbook, and I’ll show you your priorities.” [Larry Burkett] Perhaps it would do us good to make a list for a week on that which we have spent our money and our time and see what our priorities really are? Is it all about us? How much of it is about others? And more importantly, how much does it say about our relationship with God and the carrying out of His Will?
Paul revealed what he valued most by the manner in which he spent his life. His focus was not on his own personal gain, but on the benefit others received in accepting the Gospel of Jesus. Paul clearly expressed this focus in his second letter to the church at Corinth where we read. . .
“(14) Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. (15) I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?” (2 Corinthians 12:14-15 ESV)
What did that spending say about Paul’s priorities? He gladly invested his life on behalf of others.
Earlier in this same letter — while encouraging the Christians at Corinth to follow through on the commitment they had made to contribute their money toward the needs of saints in Judea — Paul mentioned the focus that caused the Christians of Macedonia to desire to give of their money.
We read. . .
“(1) We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, (2) for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. (3) For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, (4) begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints — (5) and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5 ESV)
Those Macedonian Christians lived in an impoverished area. Still, they did not want to be left out of the opportunity to share with others. Their generosity, however, began with them first giving themselves to the Lord. That meant they were then merely stewards of whatever was in their hands. Remember Jesus exhorted us to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33 ESV), knowing God is fully aware of our life needs. When our spending speaks for itself, may it reveal priorities reflecting our life truly belongs to God.
Have a great day SPENDING SELF TO GOD’S GLORY!
Carl
