We have many different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
– Romans 12:6-8
Giving is a gift. I repeat. Giving is a GIFT! It’s not an inconvenience. It’s also not a one way transaction. When we let the world define “giving,” we turn into ungracious receivers. We attach strings to it.
We are hesitant and ashamed to ask others to contribute to our ministry.
And when we do receive, we are embarrassed and awkward about it. I’ll be writing VERY SOON about gracious giving, and how from the giving side it is a JOY. But why is it not a joy to ask and receive?
We have no problem asking the Father to give us blessings. We are humble before Him, and He’s the giver of all things. Do we have pride before others?
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Pr 11:2
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:16
You’re not asking for so and so’s money. Money comes from THE LORD. You are asking for them to be faithful stewards of the Lord’s money. You aren’t asking anybody to spend their hard-earned money for you to travel around the world— yep, you’ve thought about it like that, shame on you!
- There is no such thing as hard-earned money. Take it from a workaholic, one day it dawns on you that although you work hard to provide for your family, etc, the LORD gave you the job, the LORD called you to work hard. You can’t earn grace. If you don’t work hard, that’s being disobedient. That sense of entitlement over money is what 1 John 2:16 is talking about. LET THAT PIECE OF WORLD CULTURE GO! THE SOONER THE BETTER!
- This is no vacation. Nobody would pay to go on this trip. I’m so sorry to break it to you!!! Google “vacation” and I can assure you, although some countries on your route might come up, the places we are going will rarely be included. You are going to work and minister. You’re gonna be tired. You are going with a backpack. YES it is amazing and exciting and the traveling and the company…. But do not let that paint the picture of a vacation in your head. You are being funded by others/the church. Just like a preacher, a church secretary, a music minister, etc. You are employed by financial giving. You will have some fun times, yes. But it is the Lord’s work. Not a vacation.
What about the cause? Are we questioning whether we are competent to go as missionaries?
Age isn’t a factor (Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young… 1 Tim 4:12)
Your past isn’t a factor ( Paul said in 1 Tim 1:12-13 that Christ appointed him to His service “even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man”)
You’re competent to minister! (Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant… 2 Cor 3:4-6)
And I don’t want to go there, because it is SO obvious, but THE GREAT COMMISSION!! The very last words of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom we worship and serve… were to go and make disciples of all nations!!!
Dear racers! Brothers and sisters!! We are called to GO! How amazing to be chosen and to be willing to obey! Be joyful in asking others to join this ministry!
FACT: THIS IS A WORTHY FINANCIAL INVESTMENT.
How do you know? IT IS GOING TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM.
That’s the whole point of our existence. To glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and to further His Kingdom.
Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Cor 4:1
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
Now please, go ask people to sponsor you. Go tell them all about World Race with record-breaking confidence! Go tell them about how amazing it is to be a full-time missionary, and how much you want them to join in furthering the Kingdom.
Be a gracious receiver, as you’re called to be, and those who give will give cheerfully.
