It is quite admirable to be able to notice a brother in need and be in the position to help out. When you've done it to the least of Christ's brethren, you've done it unto Him (cf. Matt. 25:40). The question Christ will ask at judgment is when you saw the naked did you clothe them, or the hungry did you feed them, etc. Paul said that "My God shall supply all your need..." (Philippians 4:19). God doesn't promise to provide our felt needs or wants, just our needs. Some need more than others, but the purpose is to do the will of God, not our will. If you need it to do God's will, He will supply.
"Saint Theresa was going to build a convent with a sum the equivalent of twelve pence as her complete resources. Someone said to her, 'Not even Saint Theresa can accomplish much with twelve pence.' 'True, she answered, 'but Saint Theresa and twelve pence and God can do anything.'" (anecdote quoted from William Barclay's The Letter to the Romans.) The fact is that God has unlimited resources and we don't work for Buddha: God has nothing against rich people or riches per se. But when we are not rich toward God (see Luke 12:21 and the parable of the foolish tenant) it is foolish to put our trust in riches. Our life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions, and we are to be content with what we have, and not be envious of what others have.
Greed is the driving force in modern society as a rule in a materialistic age, and some people who love money never seem to have enough and aren't satisfied no matter what. They ask a millionaire how much would make him happy: Just a little more! They always want a more than they have, no matter how much they have. We are all stewards of what God has assigned us and have different degrees of responsibility and are all accountable both in this life and at Judgment Day. We also reap what we sow and it seems like the evil get rich and prosper, but the Bible says in Psalm 17:14 that it is because their reward or portion is in this life. I would rather go to my reward when I pass on than leave my riches behind.
Although it is true that it does no good to help some people because they are irresponsible and will spend it unwisely if you give a beggar on skid row a dollar, he will buy a bottle of wine and if you offer to take him to a restaurant to get fed, he will decline. Helping someone in need isn't just financial, it may be of your time because everyone knows the cliche that love is spelled T-I-M-E. When absentee fathers don't spend any time with their children no wonder they grow into delinquents and live maladjusted lives searching for an identity.
Each person should decide in his own heart how much he is to give and be faithful to that, and not feel that he must give of his money--it is completely voluntary for the Christian and not to be "under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (cf. 2 Cor. 9:7). The church's responsibility is to use some of the money to give to those in need, to help the poor, and make good use of their resources. "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly..." (2 Cor. 9:6, ESV). Tithing can be seen as a test of generosity, a principle of stewardship, and a sign of faith giving back to God some of His blessings to us-- but it is not a mandate for Christians--not mentioned in any epistle as imperative. Soli Deo Gloria!
"Saint Theresa was going to build a convent with a sum the equivalent of twelve pence as her complete resources. Someone said to her, 'Not even Saint Theresa can accomplish much with twelve pence.' 'True, she answered, 'but Saint Theresa and twelve pence and God can do anything.'" (anecdote quoted from William Barclay's The Letter to the Romans.) The fact is that God has unlimited resources and we don't work for Buddha: God has nothing against rich people or riches per se. But when we are not rich toward God (see Luke 12:21 and the parable of the foolish tenant) it is foolish to put our trust in riches. Our life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions, and we are to be content with what we have, and not be envious of what others have.
Greed is the driving force in modern society as a rule in a materialistic age, and some people who love money never seem to have enough and aren't satisfied no matter what. They ask a millionaire how much would make him happy: Just a little more! They always want a more than they have, no matter how much they have. We are all stewards of what God has assigned us and have different degrees of responsibility and are all accountable both in this life and at Judgment Day. We also reap what we sow and it seems like the evil get rich and prosper, but the Bible says in Psalm 17:14 that it is because their reward or portion is in this life. I would rather go to my reward when I pass on than leave my riches behind.
Although it is true that it does no good to help some people because they are irresponsible and will spend it unwisely if you give a beggar on skid row a dollar, he will buy a bottle of wine and if you offer to take him to a restaurant to get fed, he will decline. Helping someone in need isn't just financial, it may be of your time because everyone knows the cliche that love is spelled T-I-M-E. When absentee fathers don't spend any time with their children no wonder they grow into delinquents and live maladjusted lives searching for an identity.
Each person should decide in his own heart how much he is to give and be faithful to that, and not feel that he must give of his money--it is completely voluntary for the Christian and not to be "under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (cf. 2 Cor. 9:7). The church's responsibility is to use some of the money to give to those in need, to help the poor, and make good use of their resources. "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly..." (2 Cor. 9:6, ESV). Tithing can be seen as a test of generosity, a principle of stewardship, and a sign of faith giving back to God some of His blessings to us-- but it is not a mandate for Christians--not mentioned in any epistle as imperative. Soli Deo Gloria!
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