Don't cover the truth
"But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth."(NIV) James 3:14
God desires that we live an honourable life in Christ. His wish is that we do good works with the humility that comes from the wisdom of God. We are encouraged to bless others with our words and be not envious (Proverbs 12:25; Proverbs 14:30). These good works include taking care of others as much as it depends on us.
Most of us Christians believe in doing good but we like to do it when it is convenient for us. We like to do it for public praise, recognition and not for God’s glory. We often don’t take into account the person in need. I know it is difficult to have little and be demanded to share with one who has none. The Bible teaches us to press on to spiritual maturity and to do good to all men, especially God's people (Heb. 6:1-3; 1 Pet. 2:1-2; Gal. 6:10).
The beautiful truth is that we are going to be blessed. Matthew 5:8 says "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God". People refuse to understand why God asks us to do good to all men. Personally, I have come to discover some truth in this. We have to be gracious, respect God's word, and trust in the Lord. We may be having “little” yet we complain all the time when giving. What about those with none? Which do we prefer? Do we want to have little and be selfless, or be SELFISH and continue to have nothing?
God says when we give; He will give back to us. This Gospel truth can’t be changed.
Remember that "Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it" (Proverbs 15:16). So let us stop covering the truth with our SELFISH Ambitions of not having enough.
Hymn: What a friend we have in Jesus.
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!