Partners for life: with our money

In Chapter five of Promoting the Gospel (or The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission) John Dickson places the issue of money and generosity into the larger context of partnership. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he refers to the material and financial support he has received (4:14-18) and gives thanks to God for their mutual partnership in the gospel (1:1-5).

The Bible addresses the need for full time gospel workers (evangelists and missionaries) to be supported by the Christian community. Those who are material and financial supporters are not mere spectators on the sideline, but are full participating players on the field: ‘We might not all be doing the same activity but we are all shooting for the same goal – promoting the gospel for the salvation of others.’

The question for all of us is this?

Are we generously supporting the work of the gospel?

* When we are young, we are tempted to think that we will wait until we earn more money.

* When we are earning more money, we are tempted to think we will wait until the mortgage is reduced and the kids are through school.

No matter what our circumstances are, we are called to be generous with the resources God has given us.

The sad reality is that the average Australian household spends only $231 a year (0.4%) on charitable giving and the wealthier the household the smaller the percentage given.

Yet Christian generosity is based upon the generosity of God towards us in Christ – we have the enormous privilege of becoming more active in the financial implications of following ‘the friend of sinners’.

When you give materially and financially (as well as your time) to support the proclamation of the gospel you are actively seeking to save the lost.

Scott Goode
Assistant Pastor