"Not that I am looking
for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account" (Phil
4:17).
The apostle Paul had a tent-making business. However, over time, it was
evident that more and more of his time was being given to vocational ministry
activities. That required him to receive income from those to whom he invested
his life. It became increasingly difficult to run a business and travel and
minister.
His letter to the Philippians gives us a perspective on giving. Although Paul
appreciated the support financially, his real joy came in the fact that their
gift was being credited to their Heavenly account.
"Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you
Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I
set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving
and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me
aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I
am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full
payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from
Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable
sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his
glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:14-19 emphasis mine).
Paul had a confidence that God would always provide what he needed. Sometimes
it came from his business. Sometimes it came through others. He was not overly
concerned with where his provision would come from. His confidence was in God,
his provider. So, his attitude was in affirming the benefit that came to the
giver from a Kingdom perspective.
Paul learned that it wasn't a church or a business that was his provider. It
was God. These were merely tools God used to support him.
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