Traveling Light
Free to Give
Contributed by Wade Pursell
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. —Galatians 6:10
As we approach the end of this powerful letter from the Apostle Paul, he gives the Galatians (and us!) a very important ‘precept’ (i.e., command) followed by a ‘principle’ and then a ‘potential pitfall’ (warning). Let’s look at each one.
PRECEPT (verse 6). In the context of caring for one another, which we covered last week, Paul now instructs those who are fed and blessed spiritually to support their teacher financially. “The one who receives instruction in the Word should share all good things with their instructor” (v. 6). From the very beginning of the church, sharing was one of the marks of Christian experience (Acts 2:42-47). Most preachers tend to avoid preaching on these verses even though there are several similar verses in Scripture. Martin Luther said, “I must say I do not find much pleasure in explaining these verses.” But Paul reminds his readers that they are responsible for supporting those who teach the Word.
PRINCIPLE (verse 7-8). “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” The basic principle of sowing and reaping is found throughout the entire Bible. Here, in this context, Paul tells us that God does not command believers to give simply so that pastors, teachers and missionaries might have their material needs met, but that givers might receive a greater blessing. This reminds me of Paul’s comments to the Philippians. “You have done well to share with me in my difficulty… Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the profit which increases to your account” (Phil 4:14, 17). Paul is saying that material possessions are seeds for two possible kinds of soil: the flesh and the Spirit. Money sown to the Spirit (such as sharing with those who teach the Word) will produce life.
My favorite visual image of this is the Sea of Galilee contrasted with the Dead Sea. The Sea of Galilee is one of the most vibrant, alive bodies of water in the world filled with many species of fish and surrounded by lush foliage. The Dead Sea on the other hand is aptly named as it has no life at all. Amazingly they both “receive” from the same source (the Jordan River). The only difference is while the Sea of Galilee “gives” away to the south, the Dead Sea gives nothing away. The message is clear – a truly vibrant, flourishing life is one that gives away much of what it has been given.
POTENTIAL PITFALL (verse 9). Paul also gives us a warning to not become weary. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (v. 9). The King James Version warns us “to not faint.” Patience and waiting are needed; the reaping does not typically happen immediately. I would submit also that we can best avoid ‘fainting’ by ‘breathing and eating.’ Prayer is to spiritual life what breathing is to the physical life (Luke 18:1). Matthew 4:4 says, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” We immerse ourselves in the Word and listen to the Lord in prayer as we daily “walk by the Spirit” (5:16) and seek to “keep in step with the Spirit” (5:25).
Finally, Paul ends this section saying that believers share their blessings. “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (v. 10). More than giving financially to those that teach the Word, this also involves doing good “to all people,” beginning with “the family of believers.”
Consider –
╬ The Dead Sea has no outlet while the Sea of Galilee flows with life into the Jordan. What are the outlets of your life that keep your spirit flourishing? Is giving to the church one of your outlets? Does giving to the church feel like an ought/should obligation that you resent? Or does the invitation to generosity give you life and joy?
╬ Each of us grows weary from time to time. Like pouring water into a bucket without a bottom, sometimes it feels like we try to “do good to all people” without seeing fruit. Be honest about your weariness. You will be encouraged as you listen to and share stories of God’s great mercies with your friends.
╬ Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we come to you with hearts filled with gratitude for the abundant blessings you give us each day. Thank you for our pastors and staff who faithfully teach us your Word. Help us understand that you ask us to give not out of obligation, but in response to your goodness to us and as an expression of our love for you. Increase our desire to further your Kingdom here on earth. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.