Forthright Magazine
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Straight to the Cross
COLUMN: To Your Advantage
by J. Randal Matheny
Not a few people lose big on the stock market.
Offerings like Enron seemed to promise huge gains.
But appearances were deceiving.
What seems to be right or pleasing or advantageous
to us often isn't.
One example.
The problematic Corinthians had stopped or slowed
their giving for the poor saints in Jerusalem.
After an ambitious and zealous beginning, they had
begun to feel the pinch of the pocketbook.
It just seemed right to put this off until a more
convenient, more prosperous time.
Not so, says Paul.
"I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to
your advantage, who were the first to begin a year
ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do
it. But now finish doing it also, so that just as
there was the readiness to desire it, so there may
also be the completion of it by your ability" (2
Cor. 8:10-11, NASU).
This is to your advantage,* he declares. You may
not think so, the circumstances may appear
adverse, finances may be tight, but it is to your
advantage. Your spiritual advantage.
* You will learn to see through what you decided
to do and finish it, in spite of difficulties.
* You will become a world-wide partner in the
gospel by helping needy saints in other places.
* You will discover the abundant grace of God who
makes you sufficient for every good work.
Don't think first of your pocketbook, or your
personal situation. Think broadly. Think
brotherhood. Think will of God.
Paul is not afraid to stick his nose in so
sensitive a matter as money. Because the Kingdom
of God touches every facet of our lives. And
brings true spiritual advantage through everything
we do.
Even when all signs point the other way.
__________
* The phrase translates the Greek word,
"sumpherei", an impersonal construction meaning
something is good, useful or helpful to someone.
ESV: "this benefits you."
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Forthright Magazine
Randal Matheny, editor
http://www.forthright.net
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