Romans 12:8
[8] the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (ESV)
We are going to look at this phrase, "the one who contributes, in generosity." What kind of contribution are we talking about in this verse? Primarily, Paul is referring to a financial or material contribution. In the setting of the body of Christ it would involve sacrificially giving to help meet the needs of another.
Do you have the gift of contribution? Do you want that gift? There are some who have achieved much in this life. God has blessed them with a good income. They work hard. They save well. They choose not to waste their money on frivolous things. Paul is saying that it is possible that if you have a good income then you might have a gift of contribution then you should give generously.
It seems that in the body of Christ we can err in two ways when it comes to our understanding of wealth. The prosperity gospel proclaims that every true believer should be wealthy. That is not realistic or biblical. Others take vows of poverty, claiming that to be a true believer means that we should be destitute. That extreme is also wrong.
A proper perspective of finances is one that recognizes that everything we have belongs to the Lord. If he calls us to share it with someone in need we should do so generously. It would be helpful to remember Romans 11:36: "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."
If you have wealth or resources ask the Lord how he is directing you to use them. Be generous. Be wise. Be careful to give God the glory. It is all about him.
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