January 23: Are you in need of something?

And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:19 — NET)

Paul was in prison when he wrote the letter to the Philippian church, and one of the main reasons for the letter was to thank them for a material gift they had sent him — an offering they had sent to help him in his work. In this passage, and the verses that come before it, Paul assures the church that it would be rewarded and that God would supply all their needs as a response to their gift. 

Reading through this chapter it becomes apparent that Paul considers his relationship with the Philippian church—and other churches—to be a two-way street. There was to be exchanges of both physical and spiritual gifts. This is a very touchy subject with most people because human nature hates giving; people are turned off by pastors asking for tithes and offerings; pastors give very little to their people but expect their people to give the very best to them; many feel that investing in a business is smart while investing in the work of God is dumb. But this is precisely why God teaches us to give; He wants us to kill our natural, human desires and to awaken trust and confidence in Him. Paul—like every true man of God—was not as concerned with the people’s material gifts as he was with the development of their spiritual ability to give, because that would bring both spiritual and physical blessings to him.

When we balk at giving to God, thinking that we’re being smart with our money, we don’t realize that we are insulting the One person that can make us abundantly rich in every way. Basically we have two choices: hold back from God, and learn to be generous with God. The choice we make will effect the rest of our lives. If we’re smart, we won’t go with the world’s idea of giving, but follow Jesus’ example.

Isn’t it interesting how some people argue that Jesus sacrificed so that we don’t have to sacrifice anymore? All I have to say is: if it was good enough for Jesus it should be good enough for us, and, we are all called to imitate Jesus.

Choose how you’re going to live, but remember, today’s choices create your tomorrows.