June 23 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

Since the Christian community is united in heart and mind, it shares its possessions. That's how it started. Times may change, but the norm remains.

The members of a congregation must always have a common confession and a united song because they are one in heart and mind. And they must always have their offering plates, budget envelopes, money drives, and all the rest, for their attitudes toward possessions have been sanctified by the Spirit of God.

In the earliest Christian church, the one in Jerusalem, the resources of the congregation were pooled and "daily distributions" were made. The seven men who were appointed to "wait on tables" had to see to it that nobody was forgotten. Even if only one was in need, all would be at fault.

Situations have changed considerably. Some things have changed for the better. The position of widows, for instance, has vastly improved. It's true that they still deserve special attention because they receive the Lord's special concern, but they aren't as dependent anymore as they used to be. Other things have not changed for the better. Some Christians have too much and give too little.

The basic principles that governed the earliest church must be upheld today. By the ministry of the Word, the doors of the kingdom are opened. By the ministry of prayer, the power of God's grace is released. And through the distribution of tangible goods, grace flows between Christian people.

This last part of the threefold ministry is as essential as the first two. Offerings must be received, carefully administered, and properly distributed.

The congregation must always see to it that people who are "full of the Spirit and wisdom" are busy making sure that the flow of grace among God's people is not blocked.

REFLECTIONS

Review some of the ways your congregation uses its offerings to benefit others.

Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published by Paideia Press in 1977. This updated edition is copyright 2009 by Faith Alive Christian Resources. You can order a copy of this revised version of the book directly from the publisher.

A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this updated edition of Daylight are from the Holy Bible: Today's New International Version copyright 2001, 2005 by the International Bible Society.