As it is written, "He who gathered much
had nothing left over, and he who gathered
little had no lack" (Exodus 16: 18).
But thanks be to God
who puts the same
earnest care for you
into the heart of Titus.
For he not only
accepted the exhortation,
but been more
diligent, he went to you
of his own accord.
2 Corinthians 8: 15
-- 17
Equality
has always been and is now the will of God and this can be seen in the
distribution of the manna for the Israelites who were wandering in the
wilderness. The quality among people
does not mean that each person has the same function in common for each has
their proper activity and are expected to function in their capacity as set
forth by God. It is by each person
maintaining God's desire function for them that allows for God's people to operate
properly as a whole for each other and for the spread of the gospel. Unfortunately equality among many people became,
and has at this time, become and unequal exercise and misused as we have seen in the
Islamic religion and others whereby men are forcing their authority in a
harmful way towards women. This then is
also seen how that by a lack of equality in this area has fed over to a lack of
equality in the distribution of food and goods. Unfortunately into some Christian churches whereby there are
women pastors who are acting in the role that was not set forth for them by
God. The culture of this world denying
this dispensation for His people has led to a misuse of equality. As recorded in the Bible and in other
writings Christians gave to each other as the need arises. But God by means of His Providence allows
His children to supply each other in their want come some get good things in
abundance of this world, and some less, and those who have in abundance then
can supply those who are in need. This
does not mean to place a burden on some in their exercise to relieve the poor
or two tax people or churches who are in abundance and give to some while
exempting others. No the desire was
that there should be equality and that equality should be preserved among the
brothers and sisters in Christ. Human
affairs are mutable, are they not? Any
sort of joking way I ask people to spell for me the word life and this they do
with the letters: L. I. F. E.. That's
correct but that is not how I spell life, I spell it: C.H.A.N.G.E.. Is this not true? Life is mutable and always in a flux and change and there are
times of great need for a person and there are times of abundance for that very
same person, things are always changing and we need to be ready to aid those in
those especially those who are our brothers and sisters. God has a will for us to manifest this equality, that in
our mutual and abundant life we are to supply one another, therefore we are to
have equality. Is it necessary that one
destroy their property just to have the quality? No! If one is to destroy their property how could that and be an
exercise of charity? It is recorded in Acts reports of people selling property for the needs of others but we do not
have much information as to whether or not this was their only property or some
excess property that they felt that they could sell to those in need. In the works of charity there must be an
equitable proportion that is to be observed so that the burden may not like to
heavy upon one or another while others are simply eased. But all should think of themselves and
should be concerned to supply to those in want or need. This is what is being done and this is what
Paul is commending the Corinthians and other churches as they were willing to
freely give charitable gifts to other churches who were in me: "And we have sent with him the brother
who's praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, and not only that,
but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which
is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready
mind, avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is
administered by us -- providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the
Lord, but also in the sight of men" (2 Corinthians 8:18 -- 21). Those who are in abundance have no more than
food or clothing, and those who have little or not always absolutely destitute
of these things, but often still are in need so that those of us who have an
abundance must be ready to afford them what they need supplied. The apostle Paul is commending the brother
and I were sent to collect this charity and that it might be known who they
were, and how safely in the could be trusted.
Titus was commanded to do this work and this because he was earnest and
had earnest care and desire to promote their welfare and all things. We can be thankful it is a cause or a
thankfulness, if God is put into our hearts to do good for others. Sometimes those who are asking for charity
or relief for others are looked down with disdain, thankless, and yet it is a
good office, and we should not be shy if we are called to be one to ask for
charity for others. There are many
causes that have the need for us to supply what we can for them so they can
continue their good work and not just for the work alone, rather, so that the
glory of God would be manifested in this world. This is as it should be for as a child of God we are commanded to
care for one another. The question for
each of us and it will be differently answered before we are all in different
levels of circumstances financially or in our abundance, is: what am I doing to
aid my brothers and sisters. Or those
organizations that are doing the work needed whether it be on the missionary
field where medicines and medical care is needed or in those organizations that
are working diligently to help women not have an abortion.
Do not rob the poor because he is poor,
nor Opera
as the afflicted at the gate;
for the LORD will plead their cause,
and plunder
the soul of those
who plunder them.
Proverbs 22: 22 -- 23
Today be charitable
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