“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” Matthew 6:33

In earlier posts, we’ve talked about having a new dad. We’ve talked about having new brothers and sisters. We’ve talked about having a new name. We’ve talked about having a new home, being part of a new culture and what is involved in trying to adjust to that, including a new language. Now, let’s talk about a new economy.

The apostle Paul describes the characteristics of those who are part of the new economy of the kingdom of God as he disciples his brothers and sisters in Corinth:

We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia: During a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. I can testify that, according to their ability and even beyond their ability, of their own accord, they begged us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints, and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us by God’s will. So we urged Titus that just as he had begun, so he should also complete among you this act of grace.

Now as you excel in everything—in faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us—excel also in this act of grace.  2 Corinthians 8:1-7

The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. As it is written: He distributed freely; he gave to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.

Now the one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. 

For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the proof provided by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone. And as they pray on your behalf, they will have deep affection for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

When we lived on Cape Cod in the nineteen eighties, I came home from work one day and Susan said, “I trust you won’t mind, but we have just given a very generous gift to a missions organization.”

I said, “Oh, okay.”

She explained, “I was going to fix supper tonight, and as I was going through the kitchen, I couldn’t find anything appealing to me. There are lots of things to choose from, but nothing seemed exciting. I was really frustrated, and the telephone rang. I answered and the person asked if I would be willing to listen to a recording from the president of the ministry. I agreed and the man described the conditions of people in Africa, the mothers who couldn’t feed their children. He asked if we would be willing to give. I felt thoroughly rebuked by the Lord for my ingratitude for his provision. I actually had choices about what to eat as opposed to nothing to feed my family. So, I gave generously.”

In 2002, as we were working through the adoption of our children from Ukraine, Susan remained in Ukraine with our children while work commitments brought me home to the U.S. When Susan returned from her two months in Ukraine, she marveled at the culture shock she experienced in her own country. She found it inconceivable that everything she needed was inside her house. She said, “I don’t have to go anywhere to get anything. It’s all right here. More than I need is right here.” There is a whole different perspective on what you already have when you’ve been somewhere else.

If we really had a clue about what God has already given us, we would continually give thanks to God. It is unfathomable; it can’t be measured, what God has done for us and what He has provided. In fact, He’s already told us in His word that He will supply everything we need, though He won’t give us everything we want.

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