by David Brenneman
God saved you and me so that we would serve as examples to others of His love and mercy at work in and through a human life.
Many people seem to think the only reason for salvation is so that a person will go to heaven when he dies. Eternal life is part of God’s plan of forgiveness, but that’s not the sole reason for our salvation. God saved us so that we each might reflect His nature—that we might be His people on this earth, doing the kinds of works that Jesus Himself would do if He were walking in our shoes, through our world, during our lifetimes. He desires to manifest His character through our personalities and giftedness. - Part of the devotional of Dr. Charles Stanley's Life Principles #25 "God Blesses us so that We might bless others".
"Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. " Acts 2:43-47.
"And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need." Acts 4:32-35.
This portion of Scripture has always been something that has intrigued me. I have been around many Pastors who wanted to have Revivals yet weren't taking heed of the rest of the very Scriptures that encompassed where they went in the book of Acts.
Our world of Christianity can be a much different place to be quite honestly if people wouldn't put their own restrictions on blessing others.
Did not the same God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ through His Spirit bless you and I in the first place? Could not He do so again?
It's one thing to be wise about aspects of life with regards to helping others but it's another when it threatens to start hurting.
These people at the beginning of the Church Age didn't care about such things. If a brother or sister in Christ had a need they met it knowing full well that God would take care of all things.
Oh that indeed there would be a true revival and that many people would come to Christ for salvation.
But when those in the Church are as stingy if not more so than those outside of it they are then poor examples of what a life in Christ is about.
We are, as Dr. Stanley pointed out, to exemplify the character of Christ here on Earth. We aren't saved to protect our future in Heaven only but to be transformed as we read in Romans 12 to the likeness of God in Christ Jesus. Do unto others as Christ would have done. Letting love be without hypocrisy as we also read.
In many ways those who are Christians set themselves up for this wrong behavior of considering self above others. We can easily treat God’s blessings as winning the lottery in all manner of small and large ways. Spending such blessings on ourselves first and tossing God a little back in the offering plate. Much was said on this in the book of Malachi.
The tempter, aka Satan, will tempt us all with the idea of worrying about the future if we obey in giving to others. It's been such a commonplace thought in the lives of people for so long that nobody really questions the feeling. They put up barriers and call them limits in order to think of self before others.
We have a calling in Christ Jesus that’s irrevocable according to the Spirit of God. We are indeed sealed, saved in Christ Jesus. We are also to live out life as the Spirit directs us in the character of Christ.
You had or have faith that Jesus saved you from your sins did you not?
You have been blessed by God have you not?
The Scriptures teach us that God loves a cheerful giver.
Jesus gave and gave and gave in His ministry here on Earth.
We all owe Him more than our very selves.
Consider it well what you do or don't do when you see a brother or sister in Christ in need. Consider it well when the Spirit directs you to give to strangers.
To be blunt to myself as well as all of you...our response should be "Yes, Jesus" and then to obey. It should not start a worrying process about how we'll make ends meet or how it will disrupt our plans to go do this or that or buy this or that.
The Scriptures teach us that God owns everything anyway. He is the Creator of all things.
Bless the Lord oh my soul
Bless me so that I might bless others.
All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
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