The point is
this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows
bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has
made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves
a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing
in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and
may provide in abundance for every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
The basic truth
that Paul is saying in this passage is that God gives us more than
what we need. Therefore, we will ALWAYS have enough of everything AND
may provide in abundance for every good work (emphasis mine).
As children of
God, we have the right to claim this promise. God never, ever
abandons his children. I know - because I have experienced being
without a job for 13 and a half months and through it all, God
provided for four mouths to feed PLUS some more to give for good
works.
Although this
happened to me, it was not all that fun and smooth. There were times
of difficulties and despair, but through it all, the Lord came
through. We ALWAYS had enough for everything not just the
necessities, but we were able to enjoy simple luxuries. (Note, I say
simple luxuries not extravagant luxuries).
This is why the
Lord said in the Old Testament that no one is to come to him empty
handed. The reason is that this will be an insult to the Lord. If we
come to him without anything, we are saying that he is not giving us
enough - when in fact, he said that he is able to provide us with
EVERY blessing IN ABUNDANCE.
Say it again - God
is ABLE to provide me with EVERY blessing in ABUNDANCE. Key words
are: able, every blessing and abundance.
God is powerful
enough to do this. I always say is that our Heavenly Father is rich.
And and he is! He gives us not just some, but every blessing he has.
And what is more is that he gives in ABUNDANCE. God is superabundant
- more than abundant.
Why is God giving
us an abundance? Is it to satisfy our cravings for luxury? Is it for
us to buy the latest electronic gadget or car? It is so that we can
have enough of everything AND provide in abundance for every good
work. The things we have, we are expected to give to every good
work.
Years ago, I
talked to a priest who told me that as a priest, they have vows of
celibacy, poverty and obedience. He also told me, as a lay person,
you have to live in chastity, simplicity and humility.
We are not called
to live in poverty. We are called to live in simplicity.
A life of
simplicity does not mean living a miser's life, skimping on
everything. Neither is it to flaunt our wealth to cause envy in
others. It is using our resources responsibly. But it is a life that
is according to our means and station in life. Some businessmen have
to maintain nice cars and houses because their business requires it.
Some people need to buy the latest in electronic gadgets because it
is needed in their work. We can sometimes give ourselves and our
families some simple luxuries - because the Lord also wants that. But
to live in luxury if we cannot afford it, then that is not according
to the will of the Lord.
May we then be
able to live our lives according to our means - so that we can always
have enough of everything and provide in abundance for every good
work.
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