2022-04-30
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AUTHOR: Aniel Barbe
Emulate an Orderly God
Jeremiah 31:35
“This is what the Lord says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and star to shine by night…the Lord Almighty is his name.”
We worship with our resources in a disciplined way because we emulate an orderly God. One striking feature of God’s creation is its well-ordered design. The daily, weekly, and monthly patterns speak loud about the Designer, Creator, and Sustainer of the universe. As believers, we define ourselves as being His image and God being our model. Therefore, those who aspire to be His clear and sharp image are indeed paying attention to these words: “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Cor. 14:40). Spontaneity should not be an excuse for an absence of order in worship and giving.
A man was always complaining of people stealing his money; he even suspected his wife and children. One day, his good friend gave him some advice: “If you vow to make a special gift to God, no one will touch your money.” He agreed to make this vow. On payday, he cashed his check and hid his money. After a few days, he remembered his vow but he found only one small bill, much to his great disbelief. He burst into a rage, shouting and cursing his wife and children: “This time, you have stolen God’s money, and He will deal with you.” His wife remained silent, wrote on a sheet of paper from top to bottom, and then added some numbers on the right. Then, she gently pushed the paper toward her furious husband. His eyes moved up and down through the list of items and numbers. He dared not add one single word. No one had stolen his money; he was spending carelessly without any plan.
When our finances are in a mess, we can hardly enjoy a happy life, and it is difficult to honor God with a faithful tithe and adequate offerings. Would you like to enjoy the quality of life that your Divine Father has meticulously purposed for you? Exercise more discipline and order in the management of our God-given resources. This week, may we reflect the image of the orderly God whom we serve through our tithe and regular offerings.
Prayer: Lord, we thank You for the example of the order that You have set. Please give us the wisdom and discipline to reflect this attribute in the management of our personal affairs