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In speaking about the hope of the Resurrection, Paul reminds
us that “. . . if in this life only we have hope in
Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Corinthians
15:19). A principle that we have overlooked many times when
reading this scripture is the truth that we have hope in
this life. Therefore, we can conclude that we live with hope
in Christ throughout our life on this earth.
As Christians, we hope in God's faithfulness, in
His miraculous provision, and in a sustaining peace when
surrounded by a fearful, discontented world. This hope is
real and alive as we go about our day-to-day living. We have
an unshakeable hope that God is not only aware of our
finances, but that He has prepared a way for us to live
without constant financial struggles.
Many Christians, some who have been on the
pilgrimage for decades, are experiencing fearful, anxious
times, particularly in regard to their finances. There are a
number of contributing factors to this anxiety-not the least
of which is 24/7 news that tells us how bad things are. As
our minds are infiltrated with all the negative economic
news, it is natural that we would become more fearful.
Clearly, God has given us the gift of tithing
and giving to help insulate us from the fear and anxiety of
the world. While we live in this world, we have the hope of
Christ, the hope that comes from living by His principles.
He has promised us that He will “supply all [our] need[s]
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”
(Philippians 4:19). The grantor of this source is Jesus
Himself, and there can't be a more secure supply line.
This blessing is pronounced on God's people who
have been faithful in giving. The Philippians gave to Paul's
missionary journey even when they had needs themselves.
Their desire to give drove them to give sacrificially. When
this has happened, we can hope that there is help for our
financial needs.
A great factor in this hope for our finances is
the treasure we have, like Paul, who said in Philippians
4:12, 13, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how
to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed
both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to
suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me.”
Our hope is not necessarily in what the world
calls security, but in our experience of knowing God will
never leave us and will hold on to us through any
difficulty. We know we have the strength through Christ to
make the right choices-choosing to stop buying and
borrowing, and choosing to give our tithe faithfully even
when the numbers don't add up.
However, we are not without hope. Our God fed
two to three million people every day with manna. He can see
us through good times and bad times, not just hanging on by
our fingernails in fear and anxiety, but with joy and peace.
Jesus said, “Therefore take no thought,
saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or,
Wherewithal shall we be clothed? . . . But seek ye first the
kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things
shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:31, 33).
When the value of our home equity might have
decreased, and our investment account balances might be
less, we should not worry-we have Kingdom equity and hope. |
