Do you have an Account in Heaven?

Philippians 4:15-17

In the area of giving and I’m discussing money, what often is referred to as your money, the money you worked so hard for, the money that you earned by your skills and many talents, that money.  Are we clear that it is your money, and Jesus has also made it clear that “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35) Just so that it is clear, the Creator who designed you, who gives you breath, skills, talents, and the ability to make and keep money, has this to say; “It is more blessed to give than to receive”.

The apostle Paul is telling the Philippi Church that you were there for me, not just in words but in actions, and he is telling them they were in partnership with him in the area of giving and receiving.  Now that’s cool, that was the right thing to do, but please read verse 17, “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.”  Now what is that all about, are we being told that an account has been set-up for us and that God Himself is not only acknowledging our action but is adding to our account.

I believe Scripture is clear on the above statement, we have a choice about how we use what God has blessed us with, and before I go any farther, let me make clear that I do not believe you earned it, sure you went to work, but who blessed you with those skills, and talents, who gave you the health to perform at your job?

If God is increasing your account, what actions on your part might cause God to make withdrawals?  1) If a Christian begins to believe you can ignore the teaching of Scripture, such as the following; “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.” (Dt 16:17)  It is of the utmost importance to give with the right heart attitude as stated in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  If you read Malachi 3:8-11, the Scriptures are very clear on addition and subtraction.  You have the choice to have blessing or curses, you can let God add to your credit or make withdrawals, and the withdrawals come in many ways.  The credit is often seen in this life, and also the withdrawals, but in eternity there is no withdrawals, and the value of your account is not based on your gifts, abilities, and talents to make money but on your faithfulness to bless others with your life and resources.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice