Thursday, November 20, 2008

Favor Ain't Fare!

The Lord is a Rewarder and repays us on all of our Kingdom investments. When we serve in the ministry of movement, there are times that it will require finances to participate. These may come in the manner of transportation, garments, conference and workshop registrations, educational materials, or even food when we are travelling for an event. More likely than not, there will be at least one ministry member in the group that is facing financial difficulty and may not be able to afford these activities.

Often, a local church or ministry leader will provide some assistance to aid dancers to the goal, and other times fundraising efforts are put in place for the group. At the same time, we must encourage movement ministers to invest in the ministry by putting both treasures and hearts in the same place. We should not have to keep bailing out dancers who do not see the need to prepare for what is claimed to be a passion. When we promote hand-outs over preparation, these individuals may become "freeloaders" who are always in need, but have little to offer in return. With a little planning and leadership approval, a budget can be established to provide for ministry activites.

We should not insinuate future indebtedness for providing funding or brag about assisting anyone financially. If we feel as though we are owed some type of favor for the help, we should immediately cease holding people in bondage. When we give or share resources, our intentions must be just. Sowing into the life and ministry of someone else comes with the knowledge that the return may not come from the same source. Alternately, we should never base our inner circle of friends and associates on how much money they can contribute to our personal ministries. If we are charging a "fare" to carry someone with us based on what we perceive to be favor, we will soon discover that we have to pay the piper to keep dancing.

Leviticus 25:35 (NKJV)
If one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you, then you shall help him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you.

Deuteronomy 15:10 (NKJV)
You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand.

Psalm 112:5 (NKJV)
A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion.

Proverbs 19:17 (NKJV)
He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given.

Luke 6:34-35 (NKJV)
And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.

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