We’ve been given so that we might give.
What to bestow for Christ
they will not, all misers
lose out of season;
after them others gather.
Living but little themselves,
they scarce venture to give to God;
to death they leave their all,
they keep nothing of themselves.
– Columbanus, “Poem on the World’s Impermanence,” Irish, 7th century[1]
“For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.”
– Matthew 25.29
Today we contemplate the Christian miser, that believer who, instructed by the Lord, endowed with gifts and power, and daily confronted with opportunities for serving the Lord, holds back, rather than risk any negative consequences from expressing his faith among the people within the “reach of his active will” (Willard).
Recognize the genus?
So many unforeseeable things can happen when one ventures to love his neighbor, begin a conversation about the Gospel, take up some work of charity, give selflessly to others, engage in some ministry opportunity, or stand up for truth in some matter of social or cultural moment. Don’t want to be a stumbling block to any, or to appear as if we’re trying to cram God down someone’s throiat. Besides, all this takes time, and we’re busy enough as it is.
We have the power for all of these, in that the Spirit of power dwells within us and the Word is His Sword; but the Christian miser knows that unleashing that power can lead to permanent changes, shattering comfort zones and leading to a life of self-denial and cross-bearing. And while he might wish to be known as a person of such venturing faith, he considers it more reasonable and prudent to leave well enough alone. He believes, he’s going to heaven, and he goes to church. Good enough.
The Christian miser is excellent at counting his blessings. Day by day he offers up his thanks and praise to God for the many and abundant good gifts he has received. And, just to make sure he doesn’t lose any of those gifts, or risk losing them in some ill-conceived venture of service, he keeps them secure in a vault in his soul, where he may review and enjoy them at his leisure. He selfishly hoards what God gives to be of help to others (Lk. 16.12-21).
Of course, the Christian miser knows that a day is coming when the Giver of every good gift will require an accounting of what he has done with His largesse. But that is still many years off, he reckons, and even when it happens, is he not forgiven and safe in Jesus? Does not Jesus love him just as he is? Does He not understand and sympathize with his fears and concerns? Will not grace cover all his foibles and failings? And will he not therefore be received into Jesus’ heavenly mansion, where many more wonderful gifts await his thrift?
Well, let us ask Jesus Himself: “cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 25.30).
And what shall become of such “unprofitable” servants? Their gifts will be redistributed, their hopes for a place at the Lord’s table will be dashed, and they will be consigned to bitter weeping forever.
If in any way we are Christian misers, let us hasten to repent. God has called us to do works of ministry that build His Church and advance His Kingdom. If all we want is a faith that’s “good enough for me”, we don’t want what Jesus wants for us, and what He has called us to as His followers.
God is no miser when it comes to investing in us, sharing the spiritual wealth of His Kingdom. He gave us the supreme Gift of His only Son, so that we might be saved. He has given us His Spirit with power and gifts to serve. And He gives us His Word to guide, transform, and embolden us day by day. Let us not fail to use the many endowments and opportunities provided each day to bless others and to thank, honor, and praise our very unmiserly God.
Freely we have been given; freely let us give, that others may know the grace and truth of Jesus.
For Reflection
1. Why is “Christian miser” an oxymoron?
2. What gifts and opportunities has God given you for this day?
Psalm 32.8, 9 (Hendon: Take My Life and Let It Be)
Teach me, Lord how I should live; sound instruction ever give.
Let me never stubborn be; let Your eye watch over me.
Let Your eye watch over me.
Lord, send me forth today to serve You with all that You have given me, so that I…
Give thanks
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Be encouraging!
Could be more encouraging if we knew what encouragement is and how to practice it? Download our free ReVision series, “Encouragement”, by clicking here.
Thank you.
Many of you are faithful and generous in praying for and supporting Crosfigell and The Fellowship of Ailbe. Thank you. May I encourage all our readers to seek the Lord about becoming a supporter of The Fellowship of Ailbe? It’s easy to give to The Fellowship of Ailbe, and all gifts are, of course, tax-deductible. You can click here to donate online through credit card or PayPal or Anedot, or send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, P. O. Box 8213, Essex, VT 05451.
T. M. Moore
All Psalms for singing from The Ailbe Psalter. Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
[1] Walker, p. 183.
