Our Mission: Meeting Needs with Wisdom and Generosity
In the second week of our mission series, we explored the theme of meeting needs with wisdom and generosity. The sermon was anchored in the story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man at the Pool of Bethesda from John 5:1-15. This narrative provided a backdrop to discuss how we as a community can discern which needs to meet and how to do so in a way that aligns with God’s will.
Key Themes
1. Understanding Needs vs. Resources
One of the challenges highlighted is that needs often outpace available resources. This is akin to the eternal balance between questions and answers. There will always be more needs than what can be met, just as there are more questions than answers. Jesus himself acknowledged this reality in Matthew 26:11 when he said, “The poor you will always have with you.” This indicates the perpetual presence of need in our world.
2. Determining Which Needs to Meet
The sermon emphasized the importance of discerning which needs to address. Not every need is meant to be met by us because need itself can be a catalyst for change. Jesus, although capable, did not heal every person he encountered. This selective approach is seen in John 5:1-15, where Jesus heals one man among many at Bethesda. This teaches us that sometimes, the presence of unmet needs can lead individuals to turn towards God, seeking hope and placing their faith in Jesus.
3. The Role of Generosity
Generosity is a hallmark of God’s children, as seen in 1 John 3:16-18. Meeting needs should start within the family of believers, ensuring that our brothers and sisters in faith are cared for first. This practice reflects the love of Christ, who laid down his life for us. When we see a brother or sister in need and have the means to help, we should act with compassion and not merely with words.
4. Practical Steps for Meeting Needs
- Eagerly Practice Generosity: Be actively looking for opportunities to give, as God loves a cheerful giver.
- Start with Family: Prioritize meeting the needs of those within our church family, as instructed in 1 Timothy 5:3-4.
- Evaluate Needs: Discern whether meeting a specific need will empower or enable the person. This involves asking if the help provided will be a “hand up” rather than a “hand out.”
- Support Those Who Cannot Help Themselves: As James 1:27 states, pure religion involves looking after orphans and widows in distress.
- Respond to God’s Prompting: When God lays a need on your heart, act on it, trusting that He is inviting you to join Him in His work.
Conclusion
Meeting needs is a complex but vital aspect of our mission. As we strive to make friends and make disciples, we must approach this task with wisdom, ensuring that our efforts are fruitful and God-glorifying. Through our generosity, we not only meet immediate needs but also point others to Jesus, who meets our deepest need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Let us be faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, investing in His kingdom and expanding His glory on earth as it is in heaven.