Read: II Corinthians 8:7-9
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes, he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich (II Corinthians 8:9).
Christian Simplicity
We saw yesterday that Spirit-filled persons are concerned with the needs of others. This deep concern is one of the spiritual roots from which the grace of Christian simplicity grows. How can I be lavish with me and mine when there are men around me who suffer from want?
On September 9, 1776, John Wesley wrote to His Majesty’s officer of Excise, Bristol:
“Sir, — I have two silver spoons at London and two at Bristol. This is all the plate which I have at present, and I shall not buy more while so many around me want bread.”
Am I concerned enough for spiritual values and for people around me that I limit my personal expenditures? Can I, a Christian in the homeland, wear a diamond ring — granted its beauty and sentimental value — when that bit of personal indulgence represents from one to six months’ living for my missionary friend who is working for God on a foreign field? Can we who name the name of Christ spend freely for personal adornment and pleasure when men are dying for the message of salvation that our gifts could help send?
Is the appeal of verse 7 God’s personal appeal to me: “As ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge… see that ye abound in this grace also”? What does the Holy Spirit say to me today through the example of Jesus, who, “though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor”? Do I not move closer to the spirit of my Master as I follow the ideal of Christian simplicity in all personal expenditures?
Make me more like Thee, Saviour, Make me more like Thee, That others in my conduct Thine image they may see.
— Waves of Glory, No. 2