It really makes things better in the community when somebody gives a check and says to use it wherever it’s needed.  We’re not living in the time where, like in Acts, they had all things in common.  But as it pertains to the community, the elders are a lot more aware of the different lives than we as individuals.  We might look at a situation and say, “Boy, it looks like they really have a need,” and want to respond accordingly.  But maybe they’re not tithing and you don’t know it.  Maybe they’ve put $50,000 in an account and won’t touch it.  I’m not making stuff up; I’m talking about situations we’ve experienced and have happened in our midst.  Money from the community should not be spent in these situations.  Because leadership knows the specifics of situations, it’s better if you just come in, present it, and say, “I want to be a blessing.  God has laid it on my heart to be a blessing.” 

We need to be careful because we just so much like to be in control and not trust God in our giving.  If we can give to a personality or to a person, it makes us somehow identify with the blessing more readily.  Why do think when these guys are on television and asking you to feed poor little kids; they’re putting little faces up there?  And they’ll give you a name and a certificate.  Or we’re able to give to the third window on the left of the building.  Then, when we go to Africa, we go hug that window and we’re so proud that we were able to give and be a blessing in this project.  Just talking about the nature of people.  Everybody can identify with it.  I’m not saying it’s sin; I’m just saying we’re folks.  But usually, the best way is to just put it there and say, “However it can best be used, for those that have a need.” 

The key here is to just be ready and willing and looking for opportunities.  It may not have ever been in your heart, but see what the Scripture says.  This is what it says we’re supposed to do with that superabundance God has given us.  But God’s not asking you to give all of the superabundance away.  He’s telling us in this same passage to enjoy the blessings; amen?  But be prayerful.  Don’t allow that high mindedness to enter in.  But “Lord, what will make me rich toward You?  What will most touch Your heart?”  “He that gives to the poor lends to the Lord, and the Lord will repay him” (Proverbs 19:17).  You might not have anybody on your heart right now.  But maybe the Lord would lead us to just save five bucks a month to be ready to respond to a future need.  “This is for the poor; this is for when God leads me to that person.”  So, you’re sliding five bucks over there, and then, all of a sudden you run across somebody in the fellowship here.  There’s a legitimate need.  You check with your deacon and say, “Hey, I would like to maybe help with this.  Is this a legitimate need that we can give to in the fellowship?”  Word comes back to you, “Yes, that’s something that would be a blessing.”  And it can go one way or another.  If you want to remain anonymous, then, we give them the money.  If not, then you can go hand them the check yourself.  But just being mindful that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Father, we ask that You would give us wisdom; strengthen us.  Let us not take lightly the admonition to be rich toward You.  Let us “Lay up treasures in heaven.” Give us grace.  Let us win souls, touch people’s lives, establish Your Kingdom.  Give us grace and faith to walk in this.  We’ll give you all the praise and glory.  In Jesus’ name; amen.