The Bank of God

Psalm 49; 1 Corinthians 16

Psalm 49 speaks a great deal about the fact that riches accumulated on earth cannot be taken past death into eternity. It declares that men cannot redeem men. There is no ransom that humans can pay to redeem each other. 1 Corinthians 16 speaks about the church giving financially and about supporting each other and those working for the Lord.

It was very interesting to read in Psalm 49 the statement about men redeeming men. Although this is something that very few people would explicitly state that they believe is possible, many people live as though it is. Many people stack up riches as though that is going to make a difference when we come before God. Now this is not a judgment by me on those with wealth. I believe that this passage is speaking specifically about wealth but I also believe we all have figurative riches that we like to accumulate. Perhaps it is recognition of all we have done or record of how much we have given away or perhaps what we do with our time. I think it is quite common for us to view our time as even more valuable than money. I think we often treat it as though it is the most valuable commodity on earth. While that is the case I believe that we like to think of tithing involving not just money but time or talents as well. It seems to me that this is because we would rather not talk about money and our personal finances and we often think that the pulpit is certainly not the place where what I do with my money is to be discussed. I was pleasantly surprised to see money spoken of so explicitly in the beginning of 1 Corinthians 16. Paul is essentially saying put aside money each Sunday so that when he comes there he won't have to harp on you about it. As Christians we have a responsibility to take care of those who are working for the Lord and we have a responsibility to take care of the Church and the church that God has entrusted us with. God has explicitly told us to give and give we must. The Bank of God will reward our faithfulness. However, that is not why we are to give. We are to give quite simply not for reward but because it is what God commands. As Christians that should be enough.

Personally, while giving regularly has become a discipline that is practiced in my family I believe that it is important to look for and take advantage of ways that I can further contribute financially and otherwise to the growing of God's kingdom. I must do this responsibly and that means trusting that God will show me how and when to give. I must be willing to respond when he speaks.

Dear God,

I thank you for all those who are doing your work across the world. I thank you for the blessings you have given me. Please help me to see where you are asking me to help out those who need it and help me to have a willing heart. Lord, I pray that you will help me to give not only because I am compelled to by you but because I desire to. Open my eyes Lord.

Amen