THE WORD SIROCCO

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Month Theme: Giving and Receiving

Topic: Avoid Being Selfish

Scripture Reading:
Philippians 4:10-23

Main Text:
Philippians 4:16-17
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

Apostle Paul focused on the fruit those who gave to him would receive. His motive for receiving their gifts was not because he wanted the gifts for himself. Instead, he wanted to see the Philippians increase in the harvest of fruits. The apostle’s focus was not the seed that came to him but the harvest that went to those who gave to him – he desired that fruit would abound to their account.

The motive of a genuine man of God or ministry should not be the gifts he receives from people but the fruits the latter harvest. Isaac demonstrated this spiritual principle when he asked Esau, his son, to make him venison to eat and bless him. The motive of the patriarch was not to eat the venison but to bless Esau (Genesis 27:3-4).

Isaac loved the good-tasting meals Esau probably makes for him but on this occasion, his aim for asking for it was to bless his son before his death. Those who receive gifts from others must constantly examine their motives to ensure that they don’t forget to prioritise the blessings those who give to them would receive.

Prayer:
1. Pray that you’ll not fall to any temptations of greed and wrong motives.
2. Pray and ask the Holy Ghost to help you properly examine your motive for doing what you do.

Recommended Reading:
“Concerning Giving and Receiving” by Eastwood Anaba
( Find e-books at www.amazon.com)
www.eastwoodanaba.com