17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.
18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. I Tim. 6:17-19
We are approaching the time of the year when the elders encourage and exhort us to consider and commit to giving. We give to meet the needs of the church for 2015 as we reach out locally and around the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ and also help children’s homes and others in need. More details will be coming in December. Consider this excerpt from Juan Carlos Ortiz’ book, Call to Discipleship.
So when man finds Jesus, it costs him everything. Jesus has happiness, joy, peace, healing, security, eternity. Man marvels at such a pearl and says, “I want this pearl. How much does it cost?” “The seller says, “it’s too dear, too costly”. “But how much?” “Well, it’s very expensive.”
“Do you think I could buy it?” “It costs everything you have; no more, no less; so anybody can buy it.” “I’ll buy it.” “What do you have? Let’s write it down.” “I have $10,000 in the bank.”
“Good, $10,000. What else?” “I have nothing more. That’s all I have.” “Have you nothing more?” “Well, I have some dollars here in my pocket.” “How many?” “I’ll see: Thirty, forty, fifty, eighty, one hundred, one hundred twenty; one hundred twenty dollars.” “That’s fine. What else do you have?” “I have nothing else. That’s all.” “Where do you live?” “I live in my house.” “The house, too.” “Then you mean I must live in the garage?” “Have you a garage, too? That too. What else?” “Do you mean that I must live in my car, then?” “Have you a car?” “I have two.” “Both become mine. Both cars. What else?” “Well, you have my house, the garage, the cars, the money, everything.” “What else?” “Are you alone in the world?” “No, I have a wife, two children…” “Your wife and children, too.” “Too?” “Yes, everything you have. What else?”
“I have nothing else, I am left alone now.” “Oh, you too! Everything becomes mine; wife, children, house, money, cars; everything. And you too. Now you can use all those things here but don’t forget they are mine, as you are. When I need any of the things you are using, you must give them to me because now I am the owner.”
. . .Borrowed