Self-reliance is one of the most prized American virtues, and there is certainly nothing wrong with learning to support yourself. However, the kind of isolated, lone-ranger self-reliance celebrated in our society is quite opposite to the mutual lifestyle Paul commends throughout his letters to the Corinthian Christians. Speaking about an offering taken up by churches around the Mediterranean, Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 8:13-14, “I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.” Paul set as the precedent for the Christian community that there should be interdependence—mutual giving and receiving between believers as any had need. In fact, this lifestyle of mutual reliance began decades beforehand in the very place these churches were now seeking to help—Jerusalem! Acts 4:34-35 informs us, “There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” As the gospel of our generous King Jesus took hold of hearts, those hearts were freed to share their God-given resources with others in greater need than themselves. May the Holy Spirit cultivate such a culture of mutual reliance among us!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Mike