What's to your credit?

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. (Philippians 4:17 ESV)

Paul needed this monetary gift from the Philippians but he did not seek it out.  He was often reluctant to take any money from the churches he ministered in so that no one could say he did this out of selfish ambition.

But Paul's pastoral concern is for their eternal reward in giving it.  He wants them to remember that giving in this life is going to yield blessing in the life to come.

So often we forget this. Jesus said to us in Matthew 6:

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV)

It has been said you can't take it with you but you can send it on ahead. The Bible is clear so many places treasure treasure where you're going not where you're leaving.

I heard a preacher once your illustration about being a Confederate soldier before the Civil War ended. That the Confederates had a certain kind of money and to hold onto that money for after the war would've been foolish. It would've been worthless. 

That's what I think is the point here. And while it is hard to do it in practice, it is no less true. What are we doing now with what we have so that when this life is over we will be welcomed into eternal blessings?

Then Paul uses this famous phrase in the Bible:

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 ESV)

When does God's promise to supply all our needs according to his riches come into play? When we realized that we have is used for the glory of God and the purpose of his kingdom.

May we grow in the grace of giving.

PRAYER:
Father, keep my eyes on eternity today.  Keep me from closing my fists and holding on.  Keep me ready to give.  Please cleanse me from a covetous attitude and give me a contented heart.  In Jesus' Name.