MINIBITES

1. Excellence is not a choice, it is an expectation.

2 Corinthians 8:7 But just as you excel in everything, [and lead the way] in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in genuine concern, and in your love for us, see that you excel in this gracious work [of giving] also.

St Paul was clear in identifying that the church excelled in everything he listed. And the charge was to take on a new assignment and do it in a like manner – ‘excellently’. Excellence has to be the thread that runs through everything we do such that as long as we commit to doing, we cannot be average and neither can we do it haphazardly. Excellence is not a choice, it is an expectation of you.

2. Your giving has to be with wisdom.

2 Corinthians 8:13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.

A recent message that came to mind was ‘Budget your generosity’. Surely, there are givings that one is led of God to do, but even those must be discerned. While it may seem ‘unchristian’ sometimes, you must realize that you can say No to requests. Your giving to others is not intended to create discomfort and want for your own household, and that is the balance we have to get right.

Many become guilty when they cannot always meet the needs of others, and those who make demands of others also may not consider the needs of those from whom they make those demands. Be generous, but apply wisdom to your giving.

#sly