10.21.10 "It's not about the Toys!"

"It's not about the Toys!"

Jeremiah 37:1-38:28
I Timothy 6:1-21
Psalm 89:38-52
Proverbs 25:28

"Tell those who are rich not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone, but their pride and trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven - it is the only safe investment for eternity!" I Tim 6:17-19

I Timothy 6 is a chapter about Active Ministry Involvement. It may not seem like that's the topic when you first look at it, but Active Ministry Involvement is far more than being an usher, or a choir member or working in the nursery. As with all of the DREAM principles, this is not just something we "do" this is about who we ARE.

The principle of Active Ministry Involvement (AM I) is Responsibility. This principle is consistent throughout scripture. God wants us to offer him what he has given us so he can bless it and use it to serve others. This principle doesn't make a lot of sense to the world... Imagine that!

We're commanded to "Always be ready to share..." can't you see how great it is to have that as a part of your character? We've all seen kids who share well... and those who don't! You know what is so important about sharing? It's not about the toys! It's about the character of the child. Sometimes the reason we want kids to share is so they wont fight. To be honest that may be part of my mindset, but the truth of the matter is that it's not about the toys. It's a much larger spiritual principle at work. We are to use our resources to serve others.

This includes your behavior in the workplace. "Christian slaves should work hard for their owners and respect them; never let it be said that Christ's people are poor workers. Don't let the name of God or his teaching be laughed at because of this. If their owner is a Christian, that is no excuse for slowing down; rather they should work all the harder because a brother in the faith is being helped by their efforts." I Tim. 6:1-3

Do you realize that money and talent aren't your only resources? One of your resources is "the name of God". You are a Christian. That means "of Christ". The way you work, act, and talk all reflect your stewardship of the name of God. You carry his reputation. This responsibility is yours. What are you going to do with it?

There is a Christian financial guy on radio and TV who I really enjoy listening to when I get the chance. He has some very sound principles that encourage us to live debt free. It's awesome to know what God can do when his people are out from the bondage of debt. The only thing I don't like is that sometimes some interpret the concept of being debt free to mean, "so you can enjoy your money." While God does want us to enjoy his blessings, it's not accurate to call it "our money." It's God's money! All of "our" resources are from God, therefore they ARE God's. We have to make sure our resources don't become "gods". I Tim. 6:10 says, "For the love of money is the first step toward all kinds of sin." Why is that? Because it is selfishness. Selfishness is the root of sin. That's what separates us from God.

In John 15, Jesus says that we will be known as disciples by our fruit. According to I Tim. 6:19, applying the principle of responsibility is the way to live a "fruitful Christian life down here." So when it comes to AM I, you can ask yourself, "Am I?" For you is it about the toys, or the joys of helping those in need? It takes discipline (Empowered Through Biblical Training) to get into this mindset. It's important. This is the best investment ever. That's not just a "feel good" phrase. It's the ultimate reality. We will be held to account for this principle. Apply it today!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ