Christians should take care of Christians. Does this really need to be said? I know that many involved with our church and school ministry believe this. I also know that many are willing to do what it takes to make sure that God maintains a beacon of hope for the unsaved here in Antioch. However, sometimes we need to remember that our zeal for the benefit of Christian education can be quite contagious. When we see the value of the Christian school movement, we are more ready and prepared to sacrifice for it.
Our generosity must reach beyond the parameters of tuition and necessary fees. If we are to see God continue to do great things in the preparation of future generations, we must be a generous people. “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9.6).
We should give of our financial resources because God desires to show us abundant grace and the abundance He has made available for the good work being done at the academy. God wants your money not for Him but for you. Your heart can be measured by your willingness or lack thereof to give.
Giving shows our concern for the people of God. It draws each believer underneath the banner of Christ. It also shows unbelievers how much we care for and love one other.
Our needs are great at the academy but so is our God. This is His school …His work. He will provide what is needed and we must use it wisely as stewards. Believers should never regret the financial sacrifices made for the Lord Jesus. When we get to Heaven, we will wish we had given more and kept less.
Beyond financial sacrifice, a principle we should instill in our children, there is the sacrifice of our time and ability. I spoke to our 6-12th graders this week about the fact that all of our ability comes from God. The time he allots to each of us is His. When we use this time or exercise our ability for the purpose of bringing Him glory, we are doing something that is enduring. But we need wisdom and restraint for eternal work. Eternal work demands self-sacrifice and a vision for that which remains unseen to most people.
Paul concluded 2 Corinthians 9 with an expression of praise: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift” (v. 15)! How true! The greatest gift ever given is the gift of eternal life. It is the greatest gift because it commanded the greatest sacrifice. The eternal God, Jesus Christ, left Heaven above to die on the cross for you and for me.
God even allows us to bring this message filled with hope to the people around us. It is quite amazing that He would do so. He will use all that He has given us in the first place to do great things that will last for an eternity. He doesn’t need to work through you today. He won’t force you to change your priorities. However, for your sake he wants you to do so.
May God grant the zeal we need to participate in forming Christlikeness in future generations. May we all give as God has prospered each of us. Let us not be sad at His Word to us and go away sorrowful because of the great possessions we seek to keep instead of give away (see Mark 10.21-22).
May God grant the zeal we need to participate in forming Christlikeness in future generations. May we all give as God has prospered each of us. Let us not be sad at His Word to us and go away sorrowful because of the great possessions we seek to keep instead of give away (see Mark 10.21-22).
