Today's Reading:
2 Kings 10:32-12:21
2 Corinthians 8:16-24
Psalm 102:18-28
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Focus Verses:
2 Corinthians 8:19-21
19
What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we
carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord
himself and to show our eagerness to help. 20 We want to avoid any
criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. 21 For we are
taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but
also in the eyes of man.
Insight:
Paul
took seriously the administration of the financial gifts he had
received from fellow Christians. Their generosity toward the needs of
others was sacred, and he considered the handling of those funds to be a
sacred charge. He made every effort to act with integrity before God.
He took pains to ensure that the people working with the money were
well-respected. He followed protocol that would stand up to the scrutiny
of anyone who might question their honesty. He clearly felt accountable
to God, to those who had given the gifts, and to those who were to
benefit from the gifts.
Response and Action:
I
want to be generous toward the needs of others. When I give, it is good
to expect that those handling those funds will do so with integrity.
When I contribute to charitable and missional initiatives, I will expect
those who administer those contributions to do so in ways that are
transparent and honest. Those entrusted with gifts given to honor God
should have checks and balances, protocol, and standards that ensure the
gifts are treated with the reverence and respect they deserve.
O
Lord, help me to excel in the grace of giving. Give me a generous heart
that is ready to meet needs and willing to share. Help me to be wise
about who I trust and where I give. Grant those who manage and
distribute the funds that have been given to their charge. Give them the
wisdom, integrity, creativity, and transparency they need to be
faithful stewards. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses:
Proverbs 11:1-3
1
The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with
him. 2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes
wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful
are destroyed by their duplicity.
Resources:
Courage and Calling: Embracing Your God-Given Potential
by Gordon T. Smith
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