The Bible is full of truth.
Sometimes, the challenge lies in which blend of truth to apply. Many of these tensions surround missions and money.
Let me present three areas missionaries deal with.
1. Raising support as a missionary or minister.
2. Being generous to the poor and needy.
3. Saving money for your future, children’s education, and ultimately an inheritance.
All these areas are supported by a multitude of Scripture. We cannot pick and choose our favorite, but rather find a way to apply an aspect of all these truths.
As believers and missionaries, we tell people they can’t pick and choose which truths to apply. Neither can we.
I would go so far to say all missionaries need to wrestle with issues of financial support, being generous to the poor, and saving for our future. Neglecting any of these is neglecting a part of the Word of God.
I have witnessed missionaries who ignore truth in these areas. Some are now older and wondering where they will be since they have lived a life of trusting God to provide.
Trusting God is true. But trusting God is one truth. We cannot take it at the expense of others, including providing for our future.
My goal is not to make absolute statements, rather to provoke “A Life Overseas” discussion.