9.7.9 "Are your Deeds as Good as your Doctrine?"

"Are your Deeds as Good as your Doctrine?"

Song of Solomon 5:1-8:14
2 Corinthians 9:1-15
Psalm 51:1-19
Proverbs 22:24-25

How blessed are you? Take a moment and think about it. You may have had some financial challenges, maybe even some employment issues, but how blessed are you? Have you ever thought about WHY you've been given what you have been given? Is it because you deserve it? Is it because God likes you better? What is the point of your blessing?

2 Cor. 9:11 says, "Yes, God will give you much so that you can give away much". That pretty much sums up the point.

As much as we like to have "stuff," we must understand that the point is not so that we "have" stuff. The point is that we "use" stuff to minister to people. Our family is greatly blessed with our home. We love it. We've put a great deal of work over the past couple years trying to get a yard in, finish the basement, build a deck, do landscaping... But the purpose in all of this is not for us. It's so we can use this home to practice hospitality and minister to others. Following my father-in-law's stroke, my mother-in-law has come to live with us. This is the purpose for our home at this time.

This is a principle of Active Ministry Involvement: There is a Responsibility to GIVE because it's been given to you. There is a purpose in this. verse 12-13 say, "So, two good things happen as a result of your gifts - those in need are helped, and they overflow with thanks to God. Those you help will be glad not only because of your generous gifts to themselves and to others, but they will praise God for this proof that your deeds are as good as your doctrine."

That's a pretty powerful statement. "... your deeds are as good as your doctrine." What is that saying? It's saying that you cannot be who God created you to be without the principle of giving in your life. You must be giving of your time, talent, and resources. Otherwise, your deeds do not line up with your doctrine. By not giving, your are hurting your testimony. This detracts from glory that should be going to God.

This is a big deal. I'm not really a generous person by nature. I might be more so with time & service, but not with giving gifts. Not because I don't like to give, but just because I usually don't think about it. It's not in my natural "wiring". While it might not naturally be a part of who I am, it should be a part of my evident maturity. It's a part of living the DREAM.

Don't get me wrong. This is not about throwing away money to every need that comes along. All must be in balance. We must be good stewards of what we've been given. Giving should be God-directed. When giving in good stewardship, "God is able to make it up to you by giving you everything you need and more, so that there will not only be enough for your own needs, but plenty left over to give joyfully to others." (2 Cor. 9:8)

God has put in place an incredible principle. Verse 6 says, "But remember this - if you give a little, you will get little. A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much." In that light it makes sense. As I mentioned, we've been working (with varying success) for the past couple years to get grass growing. I'm learning the key is over-seeding. If I want a thick lawn, I can't "sow sparingly". That makes sense to me. So, why can't I understand this when it comes to giving of time, talent & resources? It's the same principle. Sometimes we don't have enough time because of our selfish attitude about time. We shouldn't want a thick pocket book so we can have "stuff", but rather we should want to be able to act when the Lord presents a need.

We don't give to get, we give to get more to give. I need to really learn that. Imagine the change in our lifestyles if all believers lived this way. It would be almost like our deeds lined up with our doctrine!!

THAT'S why you have what you have!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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