Seeking God in PHILEMON

“Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels.” PHILEMON 1:12

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rue giving involves two fundamental aspects of our being: absolute trust in God as our Provider, and crucifixion of our ego.

The Lord is our source. We are not mere receptacles of His blessings, but springs that run free to refresh others as well. Freely we receive, freely we give. Giving is a choice, a lifestyle. Either I hold on to what I have, perhaps because I do not trust Him to be the God of more than enough, or I present myself as a living sacrifice, and give all of me. Paul takes giving to a whole new level, when he surpasses the giving of resources and refers to the offering of his own vital organs. It is a metaphor that illuminates the way our Lord wants us to follow: not just stuff, give your self. How can we say we are givers when we still struggle to write a check to the local church, or give to those who ask of us when it is in our power to do so?

Without a daily crucifixion of the ego there is no way we can be true givers. Advance beyond the demands of that little voice that prompts you to invest in selfish pursuits: go shopping instead of volunteering, pamper your body in a spa and ignore those who go hungry. God loves you. He wants you to enjoy a life of abundance. Sometimes living in abundance leads you to swim against the cultural stream. Today, as you follow the Spirit, do at least one thing for someone else. Forget about yourself, and give, give, give.