Our Foundation: Our Responsibilities
As Christ followers, the bible charges us with many responsibilities when it comes to our money and possessions.
First, we are responsible for our family. There’s a strong warning given to us in 1 Timothy 5:8: “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” We must be sure that we are providing for the basic needs of our family, including our parents and grandparents. Our homes are the best places for our own children to learn what it means to be Christ-like. Children watch and learn from the actions of their parents. It is important that children observe their parents caring for other family members and honoring them through this sacrifice. After all, one day, we may need our children’s assistance! Also, from this verse is the warning at the end, that we would be “worse than an unbeliever”. We must take notice of this and take it very seriously- rarely in the Bible are we given a warning such as this.
Secondly, we are responsible for taking care of our church leaders. Further down in 1 Timothy 5, verse 17 says, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” For your church leaders to rule well means that they are faithful to the Word of God and that they proclaim the truth of Scripture and stand firmly upon it. If you find your church leaders fit this description, then they are worthy of double honor according to this verse. We must be sure they are well compensated to support their families. It is our responsibility as the church to take care of those who’ve devoted their lives to serving God and to nourishing His people. What an encouragement it can be for our church leaders to know that we are giving to them generously. Just as important as compensation, we must also be sure to uplift them at every opportunity through our words and actions. Their job is not easy, and it’s often taken for granted.
Third, we have a responsibility to help those in need. Jesus describes the importance of helping those in need in Matthew 25:34-40: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” Jesus is emphasizing to all who have the ability, whether it’s through our finances, possessions, or our time, that we must be seeking ways to help those in need. The key to this responsibility is the last sentence “as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” How much in this world could be fixed if Christ followers saw others as a reflection of Him? Too often, myself included, we see others in need and have the feeling like they’ve ‘made their bed, now they can lay in it’, that the decisions they’ve made in their life has them rightfully where they are today. If we would abide by these verses, what a different world we would be living in. I believe the church, overall, has failed to live up to this responsibility. As a result, we have numerous government programs that have stepped in to take on the role that Jesus called His followers to fill.
Am I living up to my responsibilities as a follower of Christ?
Where can I do better?
As always, I look forward to your feedback. I can be reached at Christopher.Hull@CeteraInvestors.com or at 716-707-1818.
Next in this on-going series: Contentment
The views stated in this letter are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Investors and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Due to volatility within the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice. Information is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee future results.