Be Ready To Share

This past week while in Florida we have enjoyed having both our grandsons, Roy and Miles, together. They are very cute together. Playing. Hugging. Laughing. Teaching each other new words. They really get along great.

But like all two-year-olds, they need to be reminded to share their toys, which they do pretty well. Kids can be taught to share. And most do a pretty good job. It’s adults that too often forget they ought to share with others.

The Bible says a lot about sharing. It’s a part of the Christian experience. It’s fundamental to our way of life. It’s necessary for our spiritual growth.

(1) Sharing begins with our relationship to God, The Bible says we “share in a heavenly calling” (Heb. 3:1). God has called us by the gospel to be in a relationship with Him. To share what He has prepared for us in Christ. To share in His grace, mercy and love.

As a result of sharing with God, the apostle Peter writes, “And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires” (2 Pet. 1:4).

(2) Sharing suggests humility, speaks to our reliance on the Lord and shows generosity.

Paul charged those who were blessed with material means “not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” He admonished them “to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share…” (1 Tim. 6:17-19)

Money can be a wonderful servant when used to provide for our families, help others, and advance the Lord’s work. However, when it is used selfishly and sinfully, money is a terrible master.

(3) Sharing progresses with Discipleship Development. Disciples are followers, pupils and learners of Christ. Jesus “went about doing good” (Ax 10:38). So should we! The Bible says we should “be ready to share (1 Tim. 6:8). The Jerusalem disciples learned in the very beginning to share with one another (Ax 2:42-47). True Disciples of Christ are not selfish, but are sharers!

(4) Sharing is enjoyed in our spiritual fellowship. The word “fellowship” means to share. To jointly participate. To be a partner. We share the same spiritual blessings in Christ (Eph. 1:3). We share in the same “gift of the Holy Spirit (Ax 2:38; 1 Cor 12:13). We share in the joy of our mutual faith (Phil 1:20) We share the same hope (Eph 4:4)

We also share and bear one another burdens (Gal. 6:1-2). The Bible says to “weep with those that “weep.” We share sorrows. Hurts. And disappointments. We share the load of care that our brother bears.

(5) Sharing is expressed in our mutual ministry. Our ministry is based on our gifts, talents and abilities. All are different. Each is unique. But as we all share what we have and what we can do, the ministry is enhanced. “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Heb 13:16)

(6) Sharing is multiplied in our evangelistic outreach. In a world that says, “keep your faith to yourself,” the Bible says “share your faith!”

Because he was willing to share the gospel message, Paul said he became “all things to all men.” He gave up personal opinions, social prestige, and popular position. Why, Paul? “I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings” ( I Cor. 9:23).

Be a person willing to share what you can with others. It will give your life meaning, value and significance. William James was right when he wrote, “The best use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman