GIVING AND RECEIVING
Kevin Rutherford
While on his way back to the city
of Jerusalem, Paul made a stop on
the island of Miletus
(Acts 20:13-38). There met with the
elders from the church at Ephesus
and spoke to them about many issues. He
reviewed his own behavior, reminded the elders of their responsibilities,
warned them of apostasy, and then spoke concerning material matters. It is his conversation concerning
covetousness that we want to concentrate on for just a moment.
Paul begins this part of his discussion
by saying I have coveted no ones
silver or gold or apparel (Acts 20:33). This is an important principle to remember
when it comes to the way we think about material things. Covetousness is a
greedy desire for more. When one covets
that which belongs to someone else cannot maintain an attitude of Christian
love toward that other person.
The second principle brought out in
this passage is that one ought to work for what he needs (Acts 20:34, 35). We have needs that must be met by prayer to
God and active working on our part. We
need flood, clothing, and shelter. God
will provide those things if we put Him first in our lives, but we must do our
part by working to earn these things (Matthew
6:33).
The third and final principle
promoted by Paul concerning material possessions is that it is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35). Those who give to others are happier than
those who are greedy. The greedy horde
for themselves and then leave it all behind when they die. Joy, peace, contentment, and satisfaction,
are the rewards for the generous.