Tonight,like every other night, we had yet another powerful bible study that has really grown,Thanks to God! We have not increased in number but we have increased in the knowledge of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I give God the Glory for the much we share every night. Its awesome when you can sit down and study the bible and just hear the Holy Spirit reveal the Will of The Father in the Word to each one of us. Its always a whole new experience!
So tonight, my friend was the day's 'Pastor'.(its me tomorrow) She read from the book of Mathew 25:1-13. Its a common chapter about the ten virgins,who eagerly wait for the bridegroom. I can imagine they are dressed up and all,looking so glam,smelling like just-picked flowers,each one with a latest fashion and totally transformed,thanks to the beauty industry. The bible says that there were five foolish and five wise. These ten pure gals both spend the better part of the night waiting. Jesus continues to narrate that the bridegroom comes at midnight. I suppose the make up had run down by that time and they had to redo it,or the hair needed some brushing up,maybe,but what am certain about is the fact that the five wise virgins were prepared for the groom. They had extra oil for their lamps,ready to welcome the groom,whatever the case. Unfortunately, it wasnt the same with the foolish five. They had to rush to the nearby shopping mall to buy some oil for the remaining part of the night since they did have extra. The rest is history, they simply and foolishly missed the party!
My focus ,however,is far from the direct message of his parable...stay with me,if you please...What should be our attitude towards giving? Jesus actually based 16 out of 36 parables on the attitude towards our money. Look at the attitude of the widow who gave out 2 copper coins,and the attitude of the rest of the men who gave out,much more than the two coins. Look at the attitude of the rich young ruler. How about the parable of the rich man and Lazarus? The list is endless. (I dont have issues with your wallet, believe me. )
When the five foolish virgins heard the cries,announcing the arrival of the bridegroom, they instinctly asked the other five virgins for some of their oil. Their response was not so satisfying to the foolish virgins so they had no choice but to rush and buy oil to sustain them during the party. They didnt manage to get through the bouncer,apparently.(giggles)
The Bible has repeatedly taught us about to giving. This was first mentioned in the sixth chapter of the book of Mathew. Similarly, Luke says, (6:38), '...Give and it shall come back to you. A good measure, pressed down , shaken together and running over,will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you...'(NIV)
You might argue, but the five wise virgins didnt give. They chose not to share the little they had with the rest. The widow offered all she had. What is so different with this group of girls? They didnt demonstrate the kind gesture the Word repeatedly spaeks about.
Yes ,they didnt. So when do we give and when do we not give? Are there situations where we need to bend our hands? Are there instances when we need to say no to a request? Where do we,as christians draw the line? And should we,to begin with? I believe this is something the Holy Spirit will guide you through. The Lord gives wisdom and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6) I feel that when it comes to give, we ought to give freely,ofcourse, without limits,regardless of how much you have, in line with the the Voice of The Holy Spirit.
We have found ourselves,very often, at crossroads for having extended some kind of help,whether financial or in any other form,and actually ended up doing more damage than good. For instance, my neighbour is unemployed and has a family to cater for. Do I offer free dinner take away until he can secure a job or alternatively give him a job? If you ask me, I will kindly give for sometime and look for a better and permanent solution to his problem. Giving shouldn't be done blindly. It should be done for the Glory of God. You dont have to give and end up in the same boat as your neighbour,starved or possibly unclothed. The man who fears God will avoid all extremes. How do I avoid these extremes?
Galatians 5:25 sums it all up, 'Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit'
He will not only guide you in what and when to give, but also on many other issues we cannot decide on our own.
Be Blessed. Amen.
