Our Brief Stewardship Window

“Neither was there any Among them that Lacked” Acts 4:34

We have been given a blessed window through which we can view just how true Christianity manifests itself in the lives of those who truly have it. Among the earliest believers, the saints of Christ, there was not one of them that had lack. They gave liberally, not counting their own lives dear to themselves (Acts 20:24). They were truly losing their lives in this world and therefore gaining eternal treasure in eternal glory (John 12:23-25).

Are we living this?

“Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” Acts 4:34-35

Why was there no lack among the earliest saints who walked in perfect union with Jesus?

“And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” Acts 2:44-45

If you are unduly holding on to your money, it reveals you are preserving your own life which means you will “lose” it (Proverbs 11:24-26; John 12:23-25).

We each have a small window – this brief life – to abandon our lives in true worship and obedience to our LORD who gave all for our sins and the sins of the whole world. He commanded us to give all or lose out in the end (Luke 14:33; 19:27).

According to the Son of God, the way we steward money is a clear measurement tool of how much or how little we have given up our lives in this fleeting world (Matthew 6:19-24; Luke 12, 16). Jesus is coming – Are you ready to meet Him, being found faithful with what He has given you? Remember Jesus’ parable of the talents? (Matthew 25:13-29)

Our brief window of opportunity to obey the LORD by laying down our lives and therefore our riches hastens to a close. Will we be found faithful or will we be found wanting?

***THIS IS INTERESTING: THERE WAS an orderly discipline of gathering and giving among the earliest saints – “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)

Things to Observe:

1. There was a collection weekly “for the saints” who had need.
2. Paul had “given order to the churches” to do such.
3. The apostle’s instruction to “do ye” means all Christians should do such.
4. “let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him” – The LORD instructs us to set aside to give of what we have, as He has allowed us to get (Deut. 6:17; 2 Corinthians 8:12).

How much and with what heart posture we give is what the LORD looks at. Our giving to the LORD proves how much He means to. It is shown in how we give to His kingdom people and work – the heart and the percentage (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Mark 12:41-44). He gave us the ability to earn money that we may have to give – which is an integral part of our worship of Him.

“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” Ephesians 4:28

“But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18

~STEWARDSHIP FEST: Examining Ourselves Honestly |  “Depart in Peace, be ye Warmed and Filled” | 1 Timothy 6 | Wealth Wasted on the Worship of Self! | Token Tips

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