November 3rd

Extra, Extra

But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord. And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift. 2 Corinthians 8:16-19

What kind of person are you?

Are you the kind of person who needs to be recognized for good things you do? Or are you the kind of person who will give generously even if no one will ever know what you did?

This is an important question for us to ask ourselves, because it gives us a solid gut check where our money and generosity is concerned.

In our verses today, Paul tells the Corinthian church about two men who have a good reputation in the churches throughout an entire region. We know the name of one of these men-Titusbut the other man remains nameless to this day.

Nameless. Anonymous. Yet he gave. He carried. He demonstrated that he was trustworthy and responsible with both the gospel and with the generous gifts of money that the churches collected in order to provide for other churches in need. This man had his heart right-the gospel owned his heart and money didn't.

Can you say the same? If there's any question in your heart, any catch when I ask you, then you have your answer.

But if money and recognition still have a hold on you, there is hope. There's hope because the uncomfortable truth is that it's not that you can't give generously without telling people about it or getting your name put somewhere on a building-it's that you won't. The problem isn't your ability, it's your will.

In this Christian life, we know it's never about our will, but God's will, right? And God demonstrated His will by giving generously of His very life so that our need for salvation would be abundantly met in Him.

The real question we need to ask ourselves is, now that we've received God's generous gift, will we neglect to do the same in giving to Him?

Prayer Father God,

Thank You for giving generously to me everything that I have. I'm sorry for any way that I have held back from You in my giving! Please change my heart until I give generously in the same way that You have given generously to me!

Amen