A Christian school for autistic children received a donation from a corporation. After making sure that there were no strings attached, the school accepted the money. Later, the corporation requested to have representation on the school’s board of directors. The head of the school returned the money. She refused to mix school governance with secular values. She said, “It’s more important to do God’s work in God’s way.”
When the exiled Jews returned to Jerusalem, King Cyrus commissioned them to rebuild the temple. Solomon’s glorious edifice was in ruins. Would they be able to restore it to its former glory? Any form of help was welcome, right? Apparently not.
When their neighbors said, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God just as you do” (Ezra 4:2), Zerubbabel declined. He realized that the neighboring people’s “commitment” to God didn’t include a commitment to fully obey Him. They were advocating a “melting pot” religion that combined pagan and Jewish ideas and practices.
The fact that these neighbors didn’t have a sincere interest in helping the Jews became obvious very quickly (Ezra 4:4-5). They vehemently opposed the temple reconstruction for many years.
Bible scholar Walter Kaiser wrote: “Discouragement took its toll; and the whole project came to a complete stop for 16 long years. . . . So it would have remained had not God graciously sent the prophets Haggai and Zechariah” (Ezra 4:24, 5:1).
Today, the school mentioned above might have to close down if it doesn’t acquire additional funding. I wonder how many good Christian ministries are in a similar plight. On a brochure of another charitable organization, I recently read: “Whether your donation is big or small, one thing is certain . . . to the desperate boy or girl . . . your gift means the world.”
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 11:19-29
More:
Read 2 Corinthians 9:9-13 to see the good things that can happen when believers give generously to help one another.
Next:
How has God blessed you financially? In what ways could you bless others with what He’s given you?
roxanne robbins on October 26, 2012 at 12:44 am
It’s often wise to put things on hold and wait for the Lord to provide resources that enable us to align with His values and instructions.
alli on October 26, 2012 at 7:01 am
What im learning about God nothing is more important than His law He would rather forego and opportunity then have it done the wrong way in His name it doesnt matter how much you want it done. Somepeople seem to get away with building lives and dreams only halfway serving obeying God but perhaps its bc they dont know His law to those that know we are Held to a higher standard i used to think God would let us fail…well He just might especially if He didnt ask you to build oor you ate doing so not according to His plan.
Gene on October 26, 2012 at 7:10 am
It takes a lot of courage to turn down or give back support from questionable sources, especially when giving is down and needs are many. How many times have leaders gone the other way and compromised the integrity an organization just to get funded? It takes prayer and discernment for sure. I think this principle applies to joining together for social causes as well. This can be accomplished, but not at the cost of watering down the Gospel.
yemiks1 on October 26, 2012 at 8:12 am
It’s not that Jonah can’t preach to the city of Nineveh on that day but God allow the ignorant devil to withhold him for additional 3 days, Just to gain something for the Christians about the death & ascension of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 12:40-41)
God’s time is always the best!
bluefigtoast on October 27, 2012 at 12:19 am
Well said. One of the issues I run into is homeless people asking for money. Do you give? Ignore them? Pass them by? What do you do?
I believe I am my brother’s keeper. What I have decided to do is to give money anyway. But what if I am wrong, and they decide to use the help I gave to by booze or drugs?
My motive is NOT wrong. I am NOT responsible for how they use the help offered. In the end, they must give an accounting to God for how the utilized the help.
I always go with out with spare change in my pocket, or a couple of dollars in my wallet. Yes, I do give. I am not looking for recognition. The act of helping another human being, is reward enough.
Wayno
bluefigtoast on October 27, 2012 at 12:20 am
Well said. One of the issues I run into is homeless people asking for money. Do you give? Ignore them? Pass them by? What do you do?
I believe I am my brother’s keeper. What I have decided to do is to give money anyway. But what if I am wrong, and they decide to use the help I gave to buy booze or drugs?
My motive is NOT wrong. I am NOT responsible for how they use the help offered. In the end, they must give an accounting to God for how the utilized the help.
I always go with out with spare change in my pocket, or a couple of dollars in my wallet. Yes, I do give. I am not looking for recognition. The act of helping another human being, is reward enough.
Wayno
bluefigtoast on October 27, 2012 at 12:20 am
Well said. One of the issues I run into is homeless people asking for money. Do you give? Ignore them? Pass them by? What do you do?
I believe I am my brother’s keeper. What I have decided to do is to give money anyway. But what if I am wrong, and they decide to use the help I gave to buy booze or drugs?
My motive is NOT wrong. I am NOT responsible for how they use the help offered. In the end, they must give an accounting to God for how they utilized the help.
I always go with out with spare change in my pocket, or a couple of dollars in my wallet. Yes, I do give. I am not looking for recognition. The act of helping another human being, is reward enough.
Wayno
tom felten on October 29, 2012 at 2:24 pm
Thanks for sharing, Wayno. May God use your compassionate giving to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of many! (Philippians 4:19).