What is an Appropriate Response to
Receiving Inexpressibly Wonderful and
Never-Ending Blessings?
By Austin Pryor
© Sound Mind Investing | July 2011
SMI's mission statement says that we want you to have more so that you can give more. Every July we celebrate the grace of generous giving that characterizes the devout follower of Jesus.
In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul is challenging the Christians in Corinth in the matter of their giving. He held up the churches of Macedonia as examples, pointing out that they gave generously and joyfully despite difficult financial circumstances (v2). They gave "even beyond their ability" (v3). They did this voluntarily, of their own initiative, counting it a privilege (v4). They did this as an act of worship, giving themselves first, and all they had followed (v5). They had set their affections on things above and not on the things of this earth (Colossians 3:1-2).
Paul is encouraging the Corinthians, a richer congregation, to follow the Macedonian's daunting example. In verse 9, he drives home his point as to why this is entirely reasonable:
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ…
Paul points to Jesus as our example. He wasn't commanded to give. His giving was not an obligation or done under compulsion. To the contrary, Jesus gave voluntarily, gladly, and joyously. This is the essence of grace giving — from the heart, motivated by love. Duty never enters into it. And this grace was directed to those who had neither earned nor deserved it.
…that though He was rich…
Jesus is the eternal Creator, "the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth" (Colossians 1:15-16). As God, He owns the universe and all that is in it. More importantly, He possesses all glory and honor and majesty. His wealth is beyond description or comprehension.
…yet for your sake He became poor…
Not materially poor. Jesus didn't redeem us by becoming economically poor. The poverty lies in the incarnation — God becoming man. He was rich with the the glory of being "very God of very God." His becoming poor was when the Word became flesh (John 1:14), being made a little lower than the angels (Hebrews 2:7), emptying Himself, taking the form of a slave, humbling Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:7-8). That's the poverty of which Paul speaks.
…that you through His poverty might become rich.
Eternally, spiritually rich! Cleansed by Christ's blood (Hebrews 9:14). Presented to God, holy, blameless, and beyond reproach (Ephesians 1:4). Forgiven and accepted in His sight (Colossians 1:22). Free from condemnation and the vicious cycle of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2). Loved with an everlasting love (Psalm 103:17). Adopted into God's family with the status of sons and daughters (Ephesians 1:5). Now able to come boldly before His throne of grace and find mercy every time (Hebrews 4:16). Confident that all things work together for your good (Romans 8:28), so you don't have to be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6). Able to do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). Recipient of an inheritance that can never fade away (1 Peter 1:4). Blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). Complete in Christ (James 1:4). Forever!
Want to raise your level of excitement and appreciation for the indescribably wonderful times that await you? Check out Phil Wickham's praise song "You're Beautiful," which ends with these lines (and which would have a much more celebratory impact if you could hear the music as well):
I see you there hanging on a tree, You bled and then you died and then you rose again for me. Now you are sitting on Your heavenly throne, Soon we will be coming home, You're beautiful, you're beautiful. … When we arrive at eternity's shore, Where death is just a memory and tears are no more, We'll enter in as the wedding bells ring, Your bride will come together and we'll sing, You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful.
Do you believe these great and precious promises? Really? Because if you do, there should rise up within you a sense of gratitude so immense and powerful that it dwarfs any attachments you might have to the material world. You should feel free to give more generously than ever before, delighting in the fact that your gifts are "an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:18-19). 
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Austin Pryor has three decades of experience advising investors, and is the founder of the Sound Mind Investing newsletter and website. Austin lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with Susie, his wife of 46 years. Two of his sons, Andrew and Matthew, work with him at Sound Mind Investing. A third son, Tre, is a Realtor® in the area. |
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