SHARING – SOMETHING WE ALL CAN DO
Gary Waddell - Victory Ministries of Middle Tennessee 4/28/2017
2 Verses today: Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
And Pro 3:27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
Many people in the U.S. today are living in desperate times due to losing jobs, broken marriages, drugs, alcohol, poor lifestyle choices, and other events in their lives causing them to have “little cash flow” so to speak. A few of these events are beyond the control of some. When these things happen, many times our focus will turn to finances, or earthly solutions. Some will scramble around to borrow money, or to work two jobs, or to sell household items – even cars to make ends meet ( I have never before seen so many 'title / loan' places popping up in every town). Usually, our last thoughts are “giving,” or “sharing” during these times. I know, because I’ve been there, and have made many of the same mistakes. Many times churches will use offerings received toward bigger sanctuaries, better sound systems, “bigger salaries of the staff, and educational materials for those already in the kingdom.
Now I need to clarify this so some won’t jump to conclusions. I believe the Bible teaches us to tithe, and we do indeed, need, to support our church (Mal 3:10). It is God’s house, & it is also God’s money (1 Cor 16:2). But I feel some churches are in error regarding ‘sharing and giving’. Their thinking has become “lopsided.” It is a place to worship God above all, but it is also a place for Christians to gather together. This will be a topic in a later message. “Sharing” and “giving” should be important as we need to use offerings to further the gospel of Christ throughout the world. Jesus said to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15). Remember also the warning Jesus gave to the money changers in Luke 19:46 It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. So in short, some churches need to focus why we’re here.
If you saw a child on the street needing food, would you give them the address to the nearest mission? Or would you feed the child? If you saw your neighbor going to a job interview with ragged clothing, would you not help them? If you see a physical need in your community to there someone needs transportation, food or clothing, would you not share some of what God has given you? Sharing what we have, no matter how small it may seem, will be a huge blessing upon the recipients – Children and grownups alike. It is also that “act of kindness” that could lead someone to Christ. And of course, sharing the gospel is the most important act of ‘sharing’ we can give someone. 1 Timothy 6:18 reads: That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute (share), willing to communicate. This verse pertained to those who were rich, but aren’t we all rich in comparison with the world populations? Rich in Christ above all. We all have something to give or to share. Look around and you will see needs in your community and when you see a need, let the LORD guide you and start sharing. Pray for God to send people in your path who have needs.
And one last thought: Sharing doesn’t always have to be a physical item. Sharing yourself & helping the needy is important. Mow someone’s lawn today. Offer to take a shut-in some groceries. Invite someone to have dinner with you in your home that you normally wouldn’t invite. You’ll find it more rewarding than you know. We all have something to share.
This is GW – Thanks for “Taking Five”. God bless and above all, Bless GOD.
PS 66:8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of His praise to be heard:
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