Take a little break these days in December and re-center yourself with these devotions from the Sunday| Mag contributors.
Command those who are rich?in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth,?which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God,?who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.?Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,?and to be generous and willing to share.?In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves?as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of?the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
If you are one of the many people who get to work behind the scenes at a church, you are rich. Whether you?re an administrative assistant, a custodian, a technical leader, or a communication director, you get to do what God has called you to do.
Sometimes it might not feel like you are rich. Perhaps you have to work another job to support your family so you can do the other job you love. Perhaps you get paid to work at the church full time, but you feel that you don?t make much money. Perhaps your salary is pretty good, but your benefits are lousy. Perhaps the compensation is great, but you feel like you get no respect, have no voice, and?in general?just feel like you aren?t wealthy.
I?m here to tell you, you are rich. If you get to have any part in living out the calling to which God has called you, you are rich. When you serve behind the scenes with your good deeds, you are being rich.[quote]If you get to have any part in living out the calling to which God has called you, you are rich.[/quote]
I want to encourage you this holiday season not to put your hope in wealth, which is so uncertain. Instead put your hope in God, who richly provides you with everything and can fill you with joy. When you are weary, find new life in Him. Don?t become arrogant nor be filled with a spirit of entitlement. Instead, continue to do good?to be rich in good deeds.
God is calling us to a life of richness. When we are generous?generous with our time and talents?and willing to share those in service to others, He promises we are laying up for ourselves treasure in Heaven.
As we head into the season where we are reminded of God?s generosity in serving us by sending His Son into the world, please be encouraged. As we enter into the season where those of us who work behind the scenes in churches kick it into overdrive, find your hope in Him alone. Keep up the good work. Be rich and generous!
