In a previous writing I cited three examples of people giving directly into Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry. Here we have the Son of THE CREATOR of the universe being supported by those who have yet to receive the fullness of Christ for He had not yet gone to the cross. We must dare to ask the question “Why?”. I would say to you that most people really don’t want the answer for if they did, they would then be accountable to FATHER. “Out of sight, out of mind!”
If you ever want to truly ascend to the next level of maturity, you must become a cheerful giver. We can dance all around this subject but it still does not change the reality. If you are not a giver what it says deep down inside is that you really don’t believe FATHER will supply all your need. Further, Jesus would see you as having little or no faith rather than great faith.
When FATHER told me to start Servias Ministries, HE told me to fund its organization costs which I gladly responded. HE and I have a history in this area. There have been times when HE would direct me to give a sizable donation or gift and there would arise much discomfort in my mind… as expected. My logic would attempt to talk me out of responding to HIS Word yet over the years I have taken command over my mind and not yielded to those soulish thoughts. FATHER has rewarded my wife and I many times over. I am grateful for all HIS blessings.
Many people will shut down when they hear any discussion of giving into the ministry for they don’t want to be “fleeced” or taken advantage of again. Has the government fleeced us in the past? Has the current system taken advantage of us many times over? Has the legal system taken advantage of the disadvantaged? The answer is a resounding “YES” to those questions. Many of us who have been around awhile understand their intent and the mechanics of their deceiving practices. We must place our trust in FATHER to ultimately reconcile the Truth and “the books”.
In John chapter 13 Jesus and the disciples were eating the Passover supper and He was revealing the betrayer Judas (the treasurer):
26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.”
28 But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him.
29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.
30 Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night.
How appropriate that the betrayal centered around money. Greed is so subtle that it matters not whether one is rich or poor, greed is often the issue men must deal with. To those who are willing to embrace the fullness of the Kingdom, this area must be addressed. You can rationalize why you should not give but it won’t pass the test of FATHER’S willing to give HIS first begotten Son for a world of sinners. Insignificant giving is simply a method by which people avoid this issue. (See Mark 12:41-44)
I had to personally overcome the issue of giving many times in the past. It is not something that you overcome once and you are done. I would over-analyze the Word given me until I could rationalize why I shouldn’t give. FATHER would show me what I was doing then I would repent and write the check. I share this not to exalt myself in any manner but to show you how challenging being a “cheerful giver” can be to all of us no matter what our station in life.
I know that if I don’t give to the need, FATHER will find someone else to respond. After all, HE really doesn’t need my money but what HE is really looking for is obedience to HIS Word in what is probably the most sensitive topic of today. Those who truly want to be included in the Elect or “called-out ones” must deal with this area. Jesus was willing to give His Life for us, what are we willing to give to others?
PS: Don’t shoot the messenger. Philippians 4:10-20