First, there are a few people who simple refuse to give into a missions program. For these people I truly feel pity. They are robbing themselves of one of the greatest blessings on earth. There is nothing quite as fulfilling as being able to give generously into the lives of others, expecting nothing in return. It is wonderful to recieve God's blessings into our lives, but unless we have an outlet through which we can bless others will become stagnant and eventually lifeless like the Great Salt Lake or the Dead Sea.
The second kind of response comes from the person who has learned the blessing and joy of giving to missions. They have realized their greater calling in life and with whatever means they have they delight to do their part in spreading the Gospel. To these people we owe a heart felt "thank you."
Third, is the group who agrees in principle, but not in practice. They agree with Christian missionary outreach. They want to give, but they feel like they can't afford it.
Maybe this is you.
Maybe you are looking at "giving" the wrong way.
I want you to think of something that costs about $1000 that you either need, want or will need in the next year. Maybe it is a set of tires. Or a new appliance. Or a rifle. Or a set of stainless steel pot and pans with copper bottoms. Whatever it is, my guess is, that if I could offer that to you today for $100 you would find some way to come up with $100--even though you can't afford it. Why? Because you see the value. You may lose $100 in cash but you will gain $1000 worth of mechandise. In this scenario you spend your money because losing money increases your overall wealth. You give away $100 but end up $900 richer.
Here is the thing, if you could come up with $100 for stuff you can come up with $100 for missions. You just have to see the value. I want you to read this verse from the Gospel of Matthew:
" Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." [Mat 6:19-21 KJV]Did you see that? Jesus isn't tell you not to lay up treasure. He is telling you to choose the right bank to put it in.
When we give to missions we are not giving away our wealth, we are multiplying it. When we give to missions programs we are losing a little cash, but we are gaining wealth in other ways. Giving lets us reach people, eternal souls really, with the life saving message of the gospel. Steering a soul toward heaven is the greatest wealth any of us can gain.
So, giving to missions is not a loss of wealth, but a multiplication of our wealth. Yeah, you'll lose a little cash but in doing so you transfer treasure to a place "where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal".
Have a great day!
