Presenting ...
... a weekly letter of encouragement.
10 December 1997 - Singapore
Good Morning!
PUTTING YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS
JUST WHAT IS THE ACID TEST OF TRUE REPENTANCE AND GODLINESS?
- Our consistent prayer life?
- Our faithfulness in sharing Christ with others?
- Our discipline in paying our bills on time and not chasing
women (or men)?
Perhaps.
But John the Baptist, a no-nonsense spokesman for the Gospel,
targeted three areas where so-called converts should PRODUCE
FRUIT IN KEEPING WITH REPENTANCE." In today's vernacular
he would well be saying, "PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR
MOUTH IS!" That is, prove your repentance
by evidencing true:
- GENEROSITY - "If you have two coats, give one away...do the same with your food."
- INTEGRITY - "No more extortion - collect only what is required by law."
- CONTENTMENT - "Don't accuse people falsely - be content with your pay." (Luke 3:10-14; The Message; NIV)
Could it be that John the Baptist knew that for
many of us the last part of our lives to be surrendered to God
is our wallet? Jesus knew that if He had the commitment of our
money, He also had our heart:
"...WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART
WILL ALSO BE." (Matthew 6:21)
Recently, I was sitting in a hotel lobby and noticed a prominent
"Christian" businessman praying with a pastor
and another colleague. Well-known around town for his generous
support of Christian causes, gentleman also enjoys the dubious
standing among his peers as a "shark" in business.
Judging from his reputation, I doubt he would pass John the Baptist's
test of true repentance and godliness!
QUESTION - Just who does control your
purpose strings? You, or God? Would those closest to you
in business say you are generous with your money, guided
by integrity, and content with your income?
If the answers to these questions is not a resounding "yes",
then there is a pretty lean chance you are having a true spiritual
ministry in the lives of others. After all, Christ cautioned
us, "If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly
wealth, who will trust you with true riches?" (Luke
16:11
My prayer is that you are having a great week!
Dwight Hill
- 1 Coleman Street #02-34
The Adelphi - Singapore 0617 .
- Phone: 337 6498; Fax: 336 9913
(c) Copyright 1996 Dwight Hill. Unlimited permission to copy or use is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.
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