Most of us have a long list of financial commitments which counterbalance our regular income with essential outgoings. By time we have paid our utility bills, insurance premiums, tax obligations and much more, we often feel reluctant to commit ourselves to additional, voluntary commitments to charities or churches.
The Old Testament shares a charming story of a woman who one day invited Elisha (the man of God) to supper. At the end of their meal she extended the invitation by offering to feed him any time he was passing by - which he accepted. In the course of time she extended the invitation further, offering Elisha and his assistant a bed for the night. Then, after they had become frequent house guests, she extended her invitation further still by building and furnishing a guest room especially for Elisha, which he was welcome to use at any time.
No doubt this was a great help to Elisha as he sought to carry God’s call for justice around ancient Israel. And was also, no doubt, a significant commitment for the woman and her husband - in both money and time - for many years. Their commitment was noted by God, who blessed the couple with a long-hoped for son in appreciation for their generosity.
God notices when, in addition to our unavoidable financial commitments, we commit ourselves to some cause or causes that lie near the heart of his care for the world. It may stretch our budgets at times, but - if we choose carefully - the world will be a better place for our commitment, and God will smile.
Showing posts with label charity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label charity. Show all posts
Monday, 21 November 2016
Monday, 7 November 2016
Joyfully Taxed - Sunday 6th November 2016
How do you feel about paying tax?
It may seem like a stupid question, considering the universal consensus that paying tax is a bad thing. But think again.
The undoubted opinion of the greatest minds in the Bible is that the work of God, and the worship of God, is to care for those who are not able to care for themselves. In Biblical terms that was widows, orphans and migrants.
James wrote: "Religion that is pure before God is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress." Jesus expressed a similar theme in his teaching on the judgment of the nations: 'The righteous will ask, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me.”'
These are the very things that the majority of our tax goes towards - social security, healthcare, support for refugees, prisons etc. And these are the very things that God delights to see us doing. So, next time you think about the tax you pay, don't resent it, but joyfully remind yourself that you are doing the work of God.
It may seem like a stupid question, considering the universal consensus that paying tax is a bad thing. But think again.
The undoubted opinion of the greatest minds in the Bible is that the work of God, and the worship of God, is to care for those who are not able to care for themselves. In Biblical terms that was widows, orphans and migrants.
James wrote: "Religion that is pure before God is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress." Jesus expressed a similar theme in his teaching on the judgment of the nations: 'The righteous will ask, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me.”'
These are the very things that the majority of our tax goes towards - social security, healthcare, support for refugees, prisons etc. And these are the very things that God delights to see us doing. So, next time you think about the tax you pay, don't resent it, but joyfully remind yourself that you are doing the work of God.
The Right Gift - Sunday 6th November 2016
We all know the experience of receiving a gift that we neither liked nor needed. Sometimes we receive such gifts with gracious delight, like when a young child presents us with their latest artwork. On other occasions we look at the miss-chosen gift with a sense disappointment that someone who knows us so well, understands us so little.
As people of faith, our religion is our gift to God, so it is wise for us to consider what kind of gift God likes to receive. Is your choice of worship something that genuinely delights God, or is it simply your own preferences that you are following?
This question goes back a long way, and it seems that we humans have a bad habit of giving God what we like, without considering what God likes. Through Isaiah, God said to the worshippers in Jerusalem, "I do not delight in the blood of bulls or goats. Incense is an abomination to me.” Through Amos he said, "Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps.”
So what does God like? Isaiah, Amos and the the other Old Testament prophets all give the same answer. Jesus’ brother, James, put it like this: "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God is this - to care for orphans and widows in their distress.”
If you really want to put a smile of God’s face, give some of your time or money to help someone who is not able to help themselves.
As people of faith, our religion is our gift to God, so it is wise for us to consider what kind of gift God likes to receive. Is your choice of worship something that genuinely delights God, or is it simply your own preferences that you are following?
This question goes back a long way, and it seems that we humans have a bad habit of giving God what we like, without considering what God likes. Through Isaiah, God said to the worshippers in Jerusalem, "I do not delight in the blood of bulls or goats. Incense is an abomination to me.” Through Amos he said, "Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps.”
So what does God like? Isaiah, Amos and the the other Old Testament prophets all give the same answer. Jesus’ brother, James, put it like this: "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God is this - to care for orphans and widows in their distress.”
If you really want to put a smile of God’s face, give some of your time or money to help someone who is not able to help themselves.
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