A Reason to Give Generously

Philippians 4:10-19


I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.


I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.


I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.


I can do everything through him who gives me strength.


Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.


Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.


Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.


I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.


Recently, my school had the kick-off of the Annual Fund campaign, a drive to raise $150,000. I had the privilege of inviting guests to consider a Kingdom investment into Tall Oaks Classical School ( http://www.talloaksclassicalschool.org/ ) that would impact the educational lives of hundreds of young people.


Armed with this superior training these young people go on to be witnesses for Christ in the many endeavors of their lives, professionally, in families, and in the community.


This argument for giving is the "value proposition" and it is good place to start as donors are considering where they should give.


It was and is freeing to be able to invite people to give because it is also good for them to give. I do not have to single-handedly raise the funds. The One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills will provide. That position allows us fundraisers to be grateful receivers of these gifts.


Paul is encouraging generous giving so that "it may be credited to their (heavenly) account". He knows from where his help comes and knows that his needs will be met.

How about our own school or ministry? Are we trusting the Lord to provide so that we can minister to others in the grace of giving? As we encourage our friends to give as they have been given we are helping them to become "conduits of blessing" where riches are passed through, not bottled up where they will become stagnant and useless.

Let's not let the calendar or fiscal year dictate how we interact with fellow believers. If we believe our theology about God's timing and His sovereignty we have the freedom to walk alongside and be the ministers of stewardship God has called us to be.