God’s “Let” Diary (Part 151) — Let All Things Be Done Unto Edifying

Daily Scripture Threshing for Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Today’s Text: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Key Verses: 1 Corinthians 16:2 (KJV) — “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”

All too often, today’s Christians are faced with diverse issues about tithing, giving and general stewardship; and most arguments basically emanate from a deep seated attitude of unwillingness to yield to God what belongs to, or received from Him. The month of December is here, and Christmas messages and songs of God’s greatest gift to mankind will begin to roll in on different media. However, today’s passage pictures the very heart of giving in a very clear way. Genuine believers do not regard stewardship simply as a matter of our giving to God. Giving to God is a key aspect of giving; but it is secondary. Yes, because before we can give, we must first possess, and before we possess we must receive. And everything we receive comes from God. That’s the first rationale for true and acceptable Christian giving.

In the days of Apostle Paul, or of the apostles in general, collection for the saints was a very important part of Christian stewardship. And all Christians in those days understood stewardship as an appreciation of the fact that everything received are God’s good and bounteous gifts. Thus we understand that those gifts are not to be used solely for our own good; but also for the benefit of others. And of course, ultimately for the glory of God, from whom all blessings flow. The heart of this meditation is that, based on this knowledge of God’s blessings, Christians do not need to be motivated to bring to God’s store house. Paul would not need to be physically there to encourage or provoke giving before true saints bring their free will offerings. They all admit that giving to God and others, and especially to the household of faith, is an acknowledgment of God in Christ. It is also a testimony to our brotherhood, and an active continuation of Christ’s ministry of providence.

Quote for the Day: “As God’s stewards, we need more than an open heart to receive from God. We need an open heart, and open hands to receive from Him, and then open hands to give back to Him and to others.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, O how lacking I am in being a steward of Your resources. Please forgive me and make me better. Give me a generous spirit, and a desire to be like You. Please move me to be a blessing to this needy world, in Jesus name. Amen.

I welcome you to December, and I wish you all a happy new month with all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, PhD

The Darling Bishop (DaBishop),

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