May 31

2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 72
My wife and I recently met a wonderful Christian couple who invited us into their home to share the Lord’s Supper on a Sunday when we were not able to get out for morning services because of the weather.  They have a lovely home with a beautiful view of a lake and mountains in the background.  The house is large, but comfortable.  It is obvious that they have been blessed financially.  However, instead of simply enjoying what God has given, they were apologetic.  To the point, that she said they were seriously considering selling the home because she felt it was a sin for them to have so much.  I’m not sure where exactly this doctrine originates, but I do know there are Christians who feel it is sinful to have accumulated wealth.  Today’s reading debunks that doctrine.  Solomon was provided greater wealth than any man alive, and it all came from God!  It isn’t a sin to have wealth.  It is a sin to hoard that wealth, not using it to bless those less fortunate.  It is a sin to be greedy for gain.  But, when the Lord has blessed an individual with wealth, He does so with an added blessing – the gift of generosity.  If one uses one without using the other, they have reason for guilt.  However, if both gifts are being used, they should simply give glory to God for the blessings they’ve received.  In speaking to this couple, it was clear that they were using both gifts.  Perhaps they needed to work on giving glory to God instead of feeling guilty.