In what ways can we apply the principle of sharing wealth in our lives? Joshua 22:8—The Moment of Generous Obedience “He said to them, ‘Return to your tents with great wealth—with an abundance of livestock, silver, gold, bronze, and iron, and a great quantity of clothing. Share the spoils of your enemies with your brothers.’” What We Learn From the Verse • The wealth was God-given victory spoil, not self-made profit. • Joshua’s instruction is literal: carry valuables home, but do not keep them to yourselves. • Sharing was commanded before the troops even crossed the Jordan, stressing priority over personal enjoyment. Principle: Blessings Are Meant to Flow, Not Pool God entrusts resources so they can reach every part of His covenant community. Hoarding contradicts the very purpose of the gift. Practical Ways to Share Wealth Today • Tithe faithfully—recognizing the local church as the modern gathering point for God’s people (Malachi 3:10). • Give offerings beyond the tithe—support missionaries, crisis relief, and gospel media (Philippians 4:15-17). • Practice hospitality—open your home and table; wealth includes space, food, and friendship (Romans 12:13). • Create an emergency fund for benevolence—set aside a percentage of income to meet sudden needs of others (1 John 3:17). • Pay fair wages—if you employ others, generosity shows up in payroll (James 5:4). • Invest time and skills—tutor, mentor, repair, counsel; intangible assets are part of “the spoil.” • Budget for spontaneous giving—carry a gift card, cash, or groceries ready for the Spirit’s prompt. • Support kingdom projects—audio Bibles, church planting, orphan care; large or small, shared wealth multiplies impact. • Include charitable bequests in wills—finish well by directing accumulated assets toward eternal fruit (Proverbs 13:22). Scripture Connections That Reinforce the Call • Deuteronomy 15:10 — “You shall give generously to him… for this thing the Lord your God will bless you.” • Acts 2:44-45 — Early believers “were selling their possessions and goods and distributing the proceeds to anyone who had need.” • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 — Sow generously, reap generously; “God loves a cheerful giver.” • 1 Timothy 6:17-19 — Command the rich to be “generous and willing to share,” laying up “treasure for the coming age.” Heart Attitudes That Sustain Generosity • Gratitude—remember every gain traces back to God’s hand. • Stewardship—view funds as managed, not owned (Psalm 24:1). • Equality—sharing levels the field within the body (2 Corinthians 8:13-15). • Witness—generosity validates the gospel before a watching world (Matthew 5:16). Living the Verse Today Like the eastern tribes, we carry blessings across our daily “Jordan” into homes, workplaces, and communities. Scripture’s literal command still speaks: divide the spoil. When we channel wealth outward, we mirror God’s generous heart and knit His people together in practical love. |
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