Equality For All

Now as you excel in everything- faith, speech knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us- excel also in this grace (giving).

I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: though He was rich, for your sake became poor, so that by Hus poverty you might become rich. Now I am giving an opinion on this because it is profitable for you, who not only a year ago began not only to do something but also to desire it. But now finish the task as well, that just as there was eagerness to desire it, so there may also be a completion from what you have. For if the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. It is not that there may be relief for others and hardship for you,mbut it is a question of equality- at the present time your surplus is available for their need, so their abundance may also become available for our need, so there may be equality. 2 Cor 8:7-14

The Corinthians are being encouraged to their promises into reality. They had said they would like to help with financial aid for those in Jerusalem who were suffering lack, now Paul was calling in the promise.

This past year I had promised to give a substantial amount to bring a guest speaker to Tamworth for a youth event. It took a while for the offer to be accepted and during that time I suffered lack. I had spent several thousands on advertising that did not produce a dime. Now, in wisdom, I should have saved it and spent it on the event promised. In other words I ate the seed that needed to be sown. I thought I was being wise but now know God's ways are higher than mine.

The problem is I still want to give that what had been promised and now will have to stretch to do it. However, God is in the stretch. This word is speaking to me and I want it to bear fruit.

I am constantly troubled with an element of what I do, write plans for people on how to gain wealth. This is a worldly system and has to do with retention of surplus. Yet here, Paul is speaking about equality for all. How can I look at the poor and needy in the world and turn away saying, "No! This is mine, this is for me!" Perhaps we have it all wrong. Amen!