Week 5 Day 3

2 Cor. 8:1-7
 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
 
What an amazing story, the Christians in Macedonia weren’t wealthy churches with all kinds of resources, they were poor.  Yet, they were generous to the point of sacrifice, giving beyond their ability.  Perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise to find out that people of lower incomes outgive people with higher incomes, by some metrics.  Not only that, but people in lower incomes are more consistent during economic downturns.
 
Why is this the case?  I suppose one can only offer conjecture.  Could it be that the more wealth we have the harder it is to keep it from impacting our hearts?  That would be consistent with the teaching of Scripture.  Jesus told the rich young ruler if he wanted eternal life he should go sell everything he owned and give it to the poor.  At this the man was dismayed…he loved his wealth more than the treasures the would be available to him in heaven.
 
What is the cure for the love of money?  I might suggest the cure is generosity.  Maybe we all need a simpler life more than we need an extravagant life or more stuff. 
 
Pray that God will help you to be generous today and then go look for that opportunity.