It is more blessed to give than to receive
DECEMBER 26, 2007 (WEDNESDAY)
Christmas Day has come and gone. I trust your Christmas day was a great experience for you. Christmas sort of hangs around until New Year’s Day, after which most folks return to their pre-holiday routines. But the Christ of Christmas is not limited to a season, and has promised to be with us every day, no matter what.
Scott Jones, the new pastor of First Baptist Church, Rockport, and his family will be moving into a house here in Rockport this week. He wrote a very nice article in last week’s church newsletter, the Rocket, in which he laid out his schedule until January 7, when he meets with the staff and gets started as pastor. I wish him well, and promise him my prayers.
I was touched by the news story last week about Richard Semmier, a college professor who also works as a book editor and as a maintenance man. He works three jobs, but does so only so that he will have more to give away. For many years, he has given 50% of his income away, helping to provide necessities of life for the less fortunate people of this world. He participates in projects personally, such as serving food to the hungry and helping to build houses for the poor. He is a member of a club called the 50 Percent League. Anyone can join, but must agree to give away 50% of his/her income. The club has about 100 members, who collectively gave away one billion dollars over the last ten years.
These people, and many other generous people in our country, have discovered the joy of life in giving to others. Jesus taught, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Paul quoted Jesus as he said goodbye to the Ephesian elders. Here’s a little more of what he said that day: “I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:33-25 NIV).
May God bless you if you are one of those who use your possessions in a way that honors God. You are an example for the rest of us.