Monday, September 25
Credit to your account
Scripture: Philippians 4
Philippians 4:17 I do not say this because I am seeking a gift. Rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account.
Observation
In 4:10-20, Paul thanked the Philippians for their generous support, and says several important things about generosity and contentment: “I have learned the secret of contentment” and “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
He goes on to remind them of their generosity with him, then adds this aside: “I don’t say this because I’m seeking a gift; rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account.”
Evidently Paul believed that God keeps a ledger (I’m speaking figuratively) and when we give, we are credited for it. I have no idea how that works. Imagine a credit card with airline miles: the more you spend, the more miles you accumulate, the more airfare you get. Is it something like that? The more generous I am, the more it comes back to me, perhaps in kind or perhaps some other way. There are many verses in the Bible, including from the lips of Jesus, that affirm this.
As I said, I don’t know how it works, but I like the idea that God notices our generosity (think of Jesus in Mark 12:41-44 watching people give their offerings in the temple) and somehow credits and rewards us.
Paul uses that idea to tell the Philippians that he is more interested in their needs being met than his own.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Application
Today I want to be open-handed and generous with all I have: my time, money, energy, attention, listening…everything. And always I want to be generous with my money towards God and His work in the world.
I just finished reading Roger Mohrlang’s autobiography, My Life: A Story of God’s Grace. It’s a remarkable story of faithfulness to God and amazing fruitfulness. A side note in Roger’s story is his extreme frugality for the purpose of maximum generosity. He and Dottie are content with little so that they can give much—and they have, mostly to gospel work around the world. I believe it’s credited to their account. They inspire me to be more generous.
Prayer: Lord, I love You and I want to be a more generous person, especially doing what the Philippians did: supporting the advance of the gospel at home and around the world.
More: Isaiah 49-50, Psalm 111, Matthew 7