It seems these days that the big debate is what will better help us our of our current economic crisis, spending or saving. I hear some politicians saying that if we could just get Americans to begin spending money again that that will help the economy while others say that spending is exactly the reason that we are in this mess and what we all need to do is save. I’ll be honest I have no idea which is actually better for the economy…although I will admit that on a personal level, I have never been in trouble because of saving. It is only when I have spent unwisely that I have found myself in difficulty. What ever the case this idea of spending and saving can be discussed in light of our faith as well. In my devotions this morning I read these words from the apostle Paul “I will very gladly spend and be spent for you.” 2 Cor. 12:15.
The apostle Paul found himself continually being spent for the sake of others, and I believe that this was probably the secret of his success. You don’t find Paul hording his resources, or looking out for his own interests, he simply used what he had and what he was in order to win others to christ. Now granted, he did not have a family to support or any other persons depending on him for their lively hood, but still, he was truly a revolutionary, especially when you look at the jewish religious leaders, who had found many ways to benefit from their positions as teachers.
We need to be willing to spend our selves for the sake of the kingdom as well, to pour out all that we are and all that we have at the feet of the Savior, and at the feet of others for the sake of the Savior. After all, isn’t that what Jesus did for us?