BEING A PART OF GOD'S WORK THROUGH GIVING

Philippians 4:15-17 says, "As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don't say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness." One of the characteristics of the church in Philippi is that they are very generous in financially supporting Paul. They knew that Paul was stepping out of faith in serving the Lord by preaching and planting churches wherever God led him. Paul left his Jewish religious career as a Pharisee to serve God; as a result, he didn't have a regular income. He went from town to town as the Lord led him. God moved the hearts of the believers in Philippi to support Paul in his missionary journeys; consequently, they became part of what Paul was doing. As the Lord blessed Paul by ministering to many people, He also blessed the church in Philippi. Whatever Paul accomplished, they were a part of it because they supported him.

Supporting those who are serving the Lord is one of the ways we become a part of God's work. God calls some people to do His work and others to support them financially. Consequently, the ones who are sent and the ones who financially support are serving together to accomplish God's mission, and God rewards them both. God calls all of us to be a part of God's work in this world. If God blesses us with work, we must give to the works of God in whatever God leads our hearts to give. Let us not be stingy because God blesses those who are cheerful givers. The reason God blesses us is so that we can be a blessing to others. We are not meant to hoard the money that God has blessed us. We must give to the missionaries, to those who are serving the Lord, and to the mission of the church. Money is just a tool to accomplish God's purpose in this world. They are temporary and only useful on this earth. Once we get to Heaven, we will not need them anymore. 

This Christmas season is the best time to bless those whom we know are serving the Lord. Let them know how much you appreciate them and what they do, and be a part of what God is doing in their lives. As God uses you to bless them, He will also bless you. The believers in Philippi were blessed because they were blessing Paul with their financial support. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) In what ways can I be a part of God's mission? Do I know of anyone who serves God and has the opportunity to bless them? Why is it important to financially support or bless those who are serving the Lord full-time? 

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, you are the ultimate giver of all. Everything that I have comes from you. The job that sustains my needs is from you. All the money that I have in my possession is from you. Please help me not to hoard, but be willing to bless those whom you called to serve you, so that I can be a part of what you are doing in this world. Please teach me to give and work in my heart that I may serve you in my giving. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.