Do you believe in God’s principle of replenishment, or do you worry about having enough resources to be content? In our fallenness, we have a tendency to trust in only what we can see. Paul called the Church at Philippi to trust in the Giver, not the gifts (Philippians 4:14-23).
Charlatan philosophers of Paul’s day would stand on street corners of cities like Philippi, gathering followers with their good looks, expensive clothes, and articulate speech, in hopes of laying siege to the money of the unsuspecting citizens. Paul painted the church’s gift to him as radically different from money given to the selfish philosophers because he did not benefit financially. Instead, the money was used to advance the kingdom of Christ.
Paul called followers of Christ to be content enough to give their time, talent, and treasure to this cause, describing this generosity as a fragrant offering pleasing to the Giver of life and its resources (Philippians 4:18). He concluded with a powerful promise from the teachings of Jesus: “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Paul believed in God’s restoration of hearts and resources.
When you find yourself behaving as if you are trusting in the gifts and not the Giver, ask God to transform your heart. Trust in Christ the Giver, not the gifts, by being content enough to give your time, talent, and treasure to someone in need to advance His kingdom. You might give to a church, a Christian school, a youth organization, or even spend time with a young person needing guidance.
Worry is the problem; prayer is the solution; and peace is the result. When we take up Paul’s challenge, we can experience peace with God, peace with others, and peace within ourselves, discovering true contentment in Christ-sufficiency. Fully surrendering our lives to Christ brings us joy that empowers us to trust in the Giver, not the gifts, generously sharing with others in need because we believe in God’s restoration of our hearts and our resources.
Episode 231: Joy in Giving (Part 3) from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.