Do you want to reach full maturity and perfection?
What would you do if Jesus specifically asked you to give away your accumulated wealth, either a portion or all of it, and give it to the poor? What about 10% of income received? What about offerings above the tithe? These are tests of where we stand in our Spiritual walk as we move toward perfection IN HIM. If my response is fear, uncertainty, or doubt, then I have more work to do concerning my spiritual maturity in the area of faith in His Word.
The ultimate question to be asked is where, what, or in whom are you placing your trust?
By giving 100% of the contributions received at Servias to the poor, we are embracing Jesus’ command given to the wealthy young man in order for him to be “perfect”. We provide this structure of receiving so that those giving are assured that their contributions are not misused or misallocated. My wife and I have given funds in the past to those who started with noble intents but later enriched themselves in a subtle fashion. Ultimately they are judged for such deceptions.
Jesus spoke concerning the young man in Matthew chapter 19:
16 Then a young man approached Jesus and bowed before Him, saying, “Wonderful teacher—is there a good work I have to do to obtain eternal life?”
17 Jesus answered, “Why would you call me wonderful? God alone is wonderful. And why would you ask what good work you need to do? Keep the commandments and you’ll enter into the life of God.”
18 “Which ones?” he asked.
Jesus said, “Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie, 19 honor your father and mother, and love those around you as you love yourself.”
20 “But I’ve always obeyed every one of them without fail,” the young man replied. “What else do I lack?”
21 Jesus said to him, “If you really want to be perfect, go now and sell everything you own. Give your money to the poor and your treasure will be transferred into heaven. Then come back and follow Me for the rest of your life.”
22 When the young man heard these words, he walked away sad, for he had great wealth.
The word perfect means: perfect, mature, lacking nothing, complete. This same word is used in Matthew chapter 5 when Jesus spoke about Agape Love:
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be Sons of your Father in Heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in Heaven is perfect.”
Agape Love and giving to the poor are both aspects of becoming perfect and mature. This is why The Holy Spirit has me write on giving. We must overcome fear, uncertainty, and doubt when it comes to scarcity and place our trust in Our Heavenly Father to provide in all areas… including finances. The rich young man did not pass the test when he was offered the opportunity to follow Jesus in His earthly ministry.