Part 2
Such, then, is the exhortation and teaching of Scripture upon our subject, and such the example of the Philippians.
And now as to ourselves, are we obedient to the Word in this, and are we giving glory to God? How is it among us, brethren? Have we not to confess much failure? Taking the evidence that comes in one way and another, there is positive need of definite and special confession and humiliation. There is too little giving by assemblies, and brethren going forth bearing precious seed are hindered in the work, at times, and no doubt filled with sorrow, whatever be the supporting grace of God to help in time of need. No doubt at such times He comes specially near, and gives rich experience of His love, and the living character of His Word to be forever trusted. But our failure remains,-it is well-known and commented on, and painfully humiliating.
There is also a lack of care bestowed, and a lack of interest shown in assemblies in the gathering and use of money. The gathering generally, as a rule, knows little or nothing of what is done with money gathered, at least at the time, and little or no pains is taken to stir up one another, and acquaint the brethren generally with the object of a particular collection, in a way that would draw out all hearts, and make it a true service to the Lord, and a manifestation of fellowship in the gospel, and of love to the Lord's servant,-a love so deeply cheering to the servant's heart amid the trials of the way,-a service too, tending so to unite the hearts of those who join to render it.
Because our giving is not to be by law or of necessity, we have been a good deal ensnared into a sense of lack of obligation, but brethren, we know the obligation is surely upon us, only the cheerful response is called for,
Let the obligation be considered, and let us pray that a better state may prevail among us than has hitherto, and we shall have the Lord's blessing.
It would be error surely, if individual giving, especially by any leader or leaders in a gathering, were to hinder the promoting of assembly giving or render any one indifferent about it.
Giving both by individuals and assemblies, simply to assist a brother when he is laboring among us, and not at other times, is a danger to be guarded against, and tends to the narrowness of paying for service to us, rather than fellowship with a servant of the Lord in his service to the whole Church and to the world, in whatever field he may be at work, though we may never have seen his face.
Let us beware in the matter of giving, or in any other way of unwittingly but selfishly seeking to draw aside the Lord's servant into a line of work that interests us, but may not be a field to which the Lord would send him.
Let us study to be quiet, and to go on in patience, and in the joy of the Lord, not in haste for anything, surely, lest we have to be held in with bit and bridle, for we have no wisdom of our own; but on the other hand, not in slackness of spirit or coldness towards the gospel, or towards those who preach the gospel.
May that love be found in us all, that abounds in knowledge and discernment (Phil. 1:99And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; (Philippians 1:9)). And let us remember that each one has an account to give of his stewardship at the Lord's return. Who knows how soon may end this time of our responsibility and opportunity? Therefore let us make haste to set our house in order as to all things.
May we be ready for every good work.
One more word as to method, or rather as to pains-taking. We take pains in worldly matters, why not in the things of God? Is it not offering the lame and the blind to lack diligence of spirit in what we do in these things? May nothing indeed be done by mere human system, however efficient in collecting money, but may we have diligence and wisdom as individuals and as assemblies, both in laying by in store, and in collecting what we have to offer.
May not a week pass without exercise and prayer as to this, and God will bless us, and we shall glorify Him.