March 25, 2017
Lenten Devotions – Sharing as a Spiritual Discipline

The discipline of sharing could also be called the discipline of giving or of charity. It means, simply, to share my financial and material resources with others, whether that’s with the needy, or with missionaries, or with the church.

Hand holding a stone heart on the beach. Symbol of life.

Why should I give?
Sharing is an act of worship

“I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:18-20

The financial gift from the church in Philippi to Paul became a spiritual discipline, and in essence an act of their worship – not worship of Paul, but worship of Christ. We continue to practice spiritual sharing in our worship – sharing of our gifts of talent (music and speaking), our gifts of time (volunteering and leading), and our gifts of money (offerings and ministries). And when we practice the spiritual discipline of sharing in worship, then it will lead us to sharing in all aspects of our lives.

Sharing can advance the gospel

When we share from the abundance of gifts G-d has gifted us, we are allowing the gifts of G-d to enrich our ministries, missions, and purposes of the church. In all efforts where we “…go forth to make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19) we are advancing the gospel – and thus the spiritual discipline of sharing becomes evangelistic. (Blake Jennings, Spiritual Disciplines: Simplicity and Sharing).

Make it a habit to share with someone every day – whether it is financial, it is emotional, or it is religious. When we live to share, then we live a life of sharing, and sharing then has a better chance of becoming a spiritual discipline.

This week, I want you to collect a roll of toilet paper each day to donate to Trinity’s Table. Bring in your six rolls of TP to church on Sunday, March 26.

Pastor Dave