"One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but
comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others
will himself be refreshed." - Proverbs 11:24-25
One of the reasons God entrusts money to us is to bless other Christians
by meeting their needs. God uses the transfer of money within the Body
of Christ to build unity among Christians. Sometimes we withhold money
that God has designated for someone else. He wants to bless through us,
but His will cannot be accomplished through us if we are disobedient.
This was the case for a business owner who tells of the time when God
told him to forego a company bonus one year. God directed him to share
his year-end bonus with an employee to show his appreciation for him. He
wrestled with God for three full days before obeying the Lord on the
matter. When he finally met with the employee to give him his check, the
man said he had been praying about a financial need he had three days
earlier. He had decided to borrow the money to meet his need. The amount
of money he borrowed was the exact amount the business owner gave him.
God had already planned to provide for the employee through the business
owner, but because he was hesitant, he almost missed the opportunity to
be an instrument of God in this man's life. Even so, he could have
prevented the man from having to borrow money. It was an important
lesson for the business owner.
How many people do we let down because we feel the "harvest" God
provides is all ours? In America, the pressure is always on to move up
the ladder of material accumulation. Jesus warned us about this. If our
focus is on accumulation, we will not look for opportunities to be God's
vessels of financial blessing to others. Ask the Lord if you have an
open hand when it comes to finances.
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