Reading: II Corinthians 5-8
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich. And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he Hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack (II Cor. 8:9-15).
Money is a social construct created by mankind to simplify the exchange of necessary goods and services. Fiscal wealth is a worldly concept that is meaningless in the kingdom of God. They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him (Ps. 49:6-7). Yet just because He assigns no intrinsic value to money does not mean that God ignores it or the way it is used by His creation. Money can be a valuable tool in the furthering of His kingdom and the spreading of His gospel. It can provide a way for us to meet our daily needs and attend to the needs of others.
Depending on our attitudes and relationship with God, money can be a blessing or a curse. If we desire it for the sake of wealth, status, and self-gratification, then it becomes our master and a stumbling block in our path. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (I Tim. 6:9-10). But if we accept it as one of the many tools available on our journey in Christ and resolve to first and foremost use it for His glory, whether we have much or little, then it loses its power over us. When our focus remains on the riches of Christ over the riches of the world, we become blessed beyond measure. That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:7).
Paul’s message to the church in Corinth readily applies to our lives today. Wealth is not a thing to be celebrated or hoarded, nor is it to be feared; instead, it is to be shared, along with heaping portions of Christ’s love, mercy, and grace. Each member of the body needs to bring their all to the table and work together to improve the whole. Not that other men be eased, and ye burdened, but that everyone may be given the opportunity to partake of God’s grace.
But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him(I John 3:17)?
Thought for Today: To seek wealth or power is to stray from God’s path; if He deems either necessary for your journey, you will find it along the way.
Cross Reference:For II Cor. 6:2: See Is. 49:8. II Cor. 6:16: See Lev. 26:11-12; Ezek. 37:27. II Cor. 6:17: See Is. 52:11. II Cor. 8:15: See Ex. 16:18.
Word Studies:5:5 wrought = prepared; 5:13 beside ourselves = insane; sober = of sound mind; 6:5 In stripes = Having been beaten; tumults = riots; 6:6 unfeigned = genuine; 6:12 Ye are not straitened in us = our love toward you is not restrained; bowels = emotions; 6:13 for a recompence in the same = in return for our love; be ye also enlarged = open your hearts to us; 7:9 that ye might receive damage by us in nothing = that you not be offended in what we did or did not say; 7:10 not to be repented of = without regret; 7:11 carefulness = diligence, seriousness; 8:1 we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on = we want you to know what the grace of God has accomplished in; 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty = urging us to allow them the privilege; 8:7 abound = excel; 8:8 forwardness = earnestness.
Pray for Staff:Judy McCrary • Government Official: Gov. Andy Beshear (KY) • Country: Jersey (96,513) Western Europe • Major Language: English • Religious Freedom • Protestant; Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will teach you His ways and transform your life by His Word (Is. 2:3).