Back to Basics
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The True Measure of a Person
Read 1 Timothy 6:13-17.
The apostle Paul says, “You want to know how to be rich? Be rich in good deeds!” Before we program all of our extra time for us, we need to ask, “How can I leverage it for someone else?” Have you ever noticed how often you go to a movie, and when you come out you say, “That was okay, but I wouldn’t go see it again.” Or you go to a restaurant, and you say, “That food was okay, but I wouldn’t necessarily come back.” Or you go on a vacation and you say, “That was a good time, but I don’t really think I’d do that again.” But if you spend a half a day helping others, you never say, “That was a waste time. I’ll never do that again.” And yet, even after the positive experience with helping others, with being rich in good deeds on one occasion, the next time we have a block of “spare” time we ask, “How can I spend that time on me?”
Paul says, “That’s not how to be rich. Here’s how to be rich: Figure out how to do good deeds for OTHERS. As if that’s not convicting enough, after Paul says, 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds he goes on to say, and to be generous and willing to share.” Be generous and willing to share. Paul’s back talking about money. He tells us two ways to be good at being rich – be generous and share. Remember, Paul’s not talking to average people. He’s talking to rich people. That’s us and he calls us to go beyond average to give to our full potential. Paul tells us that what’s true of our time, must also be true of our money. We need to give generously of both our time and money, if we’re going to be good at being rich.
Challenge: Since I have more, I will do more and give more!
Perhaps one day, a person who sees you doing and giving more than others will ask, “Why do you do that? Why do you live so generously?” And you will answer, “I have experienced the great generosity of God, in Jesus Christ in my life. He has given me everything I am and have. How can I not do the same?”
Note some ways you have been generous, in the name of Jesus, to others.
If you do not attend New Life, you may click here to acquire the 40 Day Spiritual Journey to a More Generous Life booklet.