Coffee Please

I remember seeing a lot of very angry people on television at the tea parties.  As I listened to people interviewed, several expressed their outrage that the money they have spent years working so hard for could be easily taken (taxed) away by the government so easily.  As I listened to the criticisms, I also saw the Hitler pictures on protest signs, as well as the Nazi swastika on others.  Many were hurt that the fruit of their sweat and tears could be taxed away so easily.  I can appreciate that sentiment. 

          Thankfully, Christians have greater riches than anything that can be taxed.  Christians have something better so they do not have to be consumed with anger and outrage.  Notice the Christians’ attitudes in the first century when their belongings were plundered simply because they were Christians: “Recall the former days when you were enlightened…you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.  Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward (Heb 10:32, 34-35, ESV).”  They were robbed by their enemies because they were Christians.  Yet, the Hebrews writer said they joyfully accepted it.  How on earth could they feel that way?  Did they not work hard for what their homes and clothes?  Did they not have stolen the things they could have used to help the poor, hungry, and destitute?  How could they joyfully accept it?

          Anger and outrage did not fill their spirits because they still had Jesus.  No matter what anyone takes, they can never take away Jesus!  When we have Jesus, He can work things out in ways better than we can imagine – if we trust Him.  That is why Paul warned the Christians “do not throw away your confidence (v35).”  This is why Paul told Timothy to warn the rich in this world “not to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.  They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share (1 Tim 6:17-18).” 

          God knows what we can do with our money.  Without God, we would never have the ability to earn it.  God also knows His power, and How He can work things out for His glory (Rom 8:28).  In warning the rich not to trust their riches, Paul instructed them to be generous and ready to share.  Someone might say that to be able to do that, we need money.  Therefore, we need to fight for it.  If you ever hear someone say that, have them consider who Jesus named as the treasurer of the finances during His ministry.  John revealed that Judas “helped himself to what was put into it (John 12:6).”  If anyone knew that the money Judas was stealing could be used to help the poor, it was Jesus.  Yet, Jesus knew he had a greater source of help than the money bag.

          This world will be gone in a blink of an eye one day.  This will be done by the power of God.  The Lord has given us a work to do.  He does not want us distracted with keeping what we have.  We work so we can give (Eph 4:28).  The Lord has promised to give us all we need for His work (Phil 4:19).  Jesus is our confidence.  If Jesus is our life (Col 3:4), He will never be taken away.  Then, we can joyfully accept whatever the enemy brings our way.