The last few weeks I've been reading up on sacrificial giving, as today (in most Corps) is the Army's Self-Denial Annual Appeal Altar Service. I've been looking up examples from scripture on which to base further study, looking at individual motivation.
First on my list is Zaccheus (Luke 19:1-10), a short man with a burden at least twice the size of him! His job was to collect taxes, a particularly unpopular job even then, and to top it all he wasn't too honest about it. Listening to Jesus' teaching had prompted a change of heart, and Zaccheus resolved to give back much more than the law dictated. He gave sacrificially...
There was Mary, the sister of Martha (John 12:1-6), who gave the gift of precious perfume to anoint Jesus. This was a gift she had really saved up for, the equivalent of the cost of a year's wages. Certainly sacrificial!
And there's Barnabus (Acts 4:36-37), a disciple who happened to own a field. There were a great deal of folk around at the time who were in need, so in response to that he sold his land, placing the money sacrificially at the disciples' feet in order to meet the need. Being a Levite, Barnabas had the right to be supported by others (Numbers 18:21). Instead, he made a conscious decision to give, to help others.
Let's also consider the members of the Macedonian churches (2 Corinthians 8:1-6). They gave sacrificially to help fellow Christians in Jerusalem. They gave joyfully, even beyond their ability to give, and even begged to do so! Phenomenal!
What motivated these guys to give so freely? To give so much more? In the case of Zaccheus, it could be argued that there was an element of guilt involved. A need to make amends, to recompense for his misdeeds. Well, I understand that Jewish law already make restitution an essential anyway - however Zaccheus' response goes far beyond legal requirements...
And what about Barnabus? The Christians in Macedonia? We know nothing of their individual backgrounds. Surely there must be looking for something other than just guilt.
Whatever motivated them to such extremes of sacrifice must be something pretty powerful. Could it be the awesome power of the love of God within them? The power of the Holy Spirit, transforming them, compelling them. Encouraging them. Sacrificial giving is their response to such unconditional, sacrificial, agape love.
What is your response? What is that still, small voice telling you?
"Go without, for those going without" - taken from the Self-Denial Appeal envelope, 2011
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