Galatians 6:6 (KJV)
Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth
in all good things.
Reciprocation is the action here described. If you have received instruction and insight at the expense of another man or woman’s labor, then God expects you to communicate your appreciation to your spiritual teachers - in all good things. Have you ever pondered the amount of time and energy a religious teacher puts into their teachings – for your sake? Should you just take the teaching and run, or cultivate a grateful attitude for it? Are you of the opinion you don’t need an instructor when it comes to Biblical matters?
Ladies, the Bible directs our attention to the fact that as God’s servants supply your spiritual needs, God expects you to furnish their material needs! Spiritual treasures given; material treasures given in return. What has your exchange rate been, dear lady? Considering how many spiritual treasures you have received thus far in your Christian life, have you shared a fair amount of your material treasures with your teachers in return? Are you communicating with those who have taught you in the Word as God has clearly intended?
Matthew 6:21 (KJV)
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Believe it or not, there are people who actually resent having to support God’s servants. Do you get uncomfortable when their needs are presented and it comes time for you to step up to the plate to make a contribution of a particular nature? Even if a formal declaration of their needs has not taken place, are you as interested in the well-being of your teachers as they have been in your well-being?? Investment proves interest. My point being, if our affections are truly set on things above, it will be evidenced in the way we receive spiritual treasures and part with earthly ones! Where have your attitudes toward your teachers proved your affections to be? If the heart is right, reciprocation should be carried out cheerfully and freely!
For instance, a dedicated man of God devotes many hours to preparing messages to preach. It takes time to study the Bible, ponder the passages, and apply them to the lives of your sheep, organizing them in a clear fashion for effective delivery. As time and energy is committed to this aspect of helping folks, then it stands to reason less time is available for him to address his own material needs. No doubt there is also little time left for home maintenance and/or other matters that require male attention. Hence, God expects believers to be sensitive to the necessities of the one who is laboring in the Word of God on their behalf. Communicating your gratefulness by seeking to make assorted contributions to your instructor’s life is the duty of all who are advantaged by his or her sacrifice. Your appreciation can be expressed in a variety of personal ways - mowing their lawn, vehicle maintenance, financial contribution, home repair, food preparation, etc.
So too, as mothers, we should alert our children to the principle of reciprocation. For example, most mornings I prepare a little Bible study for my children. Some days these lessons take a little longer than others to put together. Obviously, while I am studying scripture and organizing my findings for their well being, I am not free to do small things such as unload the dishwasher or fold laundry, etc. Hence, if they truly appreciate the fact that I am laboring to prepare them a spiritual meal, then my children would naturally communicate their gratefulness for a Mom who would devote time to aiding their character. They would pitch in and help in a way that would benefit me personally. Ladies, train your children to detect the condition of their hearts in this matter! Are they fully aware of the tremendous advantage a good religious teacher brings to their lives? Direct their attention to their duty to communicate with their teachers - in all good things!
Philip. 4:14-15 (KJV)
Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
[15] Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel,
when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning
giving and receiving, but ye only.
In failing to share with others, we make ourselves poor! The Phillipians did well to impart the finances necessary to aid Paul’s present hardship where many other churches had failed. Can you imagine so many bodies of believers indifferent to the needs of a faithful servant like Paul? It seems reciprocation is not a common code of operation! The apostle was touched not so much with the gift itself, as their desire to communicate with his needs. Are you always ready to do for others in their time of need or do you need to be heavily stimulated first? Do you need a lengthy slide show and a few stirring songs before you'll give to a missionary? Are you quick to communicate your support of the saints when affliction arises?
1 Tim. 6:17-18 (KJV)
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded,
nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly
all things to enjoy; [18] That they do good, that they be rich in good
works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
When most of us consider the word “communicate” we automatically think this activity involves only our lips. But that is not so! There are many ways that we can convey a message to people. The Bible teaches that money should be used as a form of communication. It should be invested in things eternal. Believer’s resources must be used to supply the needs of others. Your giving clearly expresses your love and concern for others. However, a lust for material things makes people wander away from the faith. It inhibits reciprocation. Ladies, make sure your priorities do not shift from an eternal emphasis to a temporal one. Communicate to the advancement of God’s kingdom with enthusiasm; be rich in good works! Use the same generosity that God demonstrated toward you!
Hebrews 13:15-16 (KJV)
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually,
that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good
and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
In conclusion, thorough communication is a God given duty that everyone must conscientiously endeavor to accomplish. It is a sacrifice requiring time, thought, and effort. When God sees us striving to touch people He is WELL PLEASED. Therefore, if we are not attempting to act interchangeably with persons on a regular basis we can confidently say God is very unhappy with us! “Forget not” means that it is possible to overlook or disregard communicating effectively with your fellow man. How well are you doing at imparting your sentiments, dear lady? Have you even thought to communicate your gratefulness to the Lord? Good words and good works are sacrifices that God expects His children to offer on a continual basis. In the name of the Lord Jesus and for His glory, give in return for what you have received!
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2004 Pamela A. Iannello
