The late pastor and prolific author A.W. Tozer once wrote:
As base a thing as money often is, it yet can be transmuted into everlasting treasure. It can be converted into food for the hungry, and clothing for the poor; it can keep a missionary actively winning lost men to the light of the gospel and thus transmute itself into heavenly values. Any temporal possession can be turned into everlasting wealth. Whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality.1
The great scriptural truth in this statement can unfortunately be taken to an extreme by some very worthy ministries (Matthew 6:19-20). While they may have the best reasons and intentions in the world to ask for money, relentless and elaborate solicitations can be a regrettable side effect of their effort to fulfill their mission.
Christian organizations that are reluctant to ask believers for help, however, may suffer the tragic consequence of seeing their ministry fall far short of its potential for the Kingdom. The best approach calls for a gracious balance between the two: making needs known yet also being content to wait on the Lord to supply according to His will (Philippians 4:10-19). If we are truly doing God’s will, then we do not have to exaggerate our needs or the story of our work. Believers will be inspired to respond as His Spirit directs, simply because the need is real, the cause is God’s, and His Kingdom work will be advanced through our efforts for Him.
ICR’s ministry is straightforward: Teach biblical creationism to this generation and the next. To that end, we publish Acts & Facts, Days of Praise, and online science news and videos, and we send our speakers to events across the country. But the Lord has placed it on our hearts to reach even further and equip believers—especially pastors, Bible teachers, and homeschoolers—with vital creation materials.
Today, many Christians are confused about creation and evolution. Some even walk away from their faith because their questions go unanswered. To provide comprehensive answers, we are developing a new DVD series, Unlocking the Mysteries of Genesis.
This DVD series will equip viewers with answers to tough issues by presenting new scientific evidence that confirms the truths found in Genesis and dispels the myths of evolution. Designed to engage this generation, each episode addresses the most provocative questions of faith and science. Unlocking the Mysteries of Genesis empowers the Church with tools needed to affirm and defend the faith.
ICR could use your help in promoting this groundbreaking series to your pastor, your Bible teachers, and homeschool families you may know. Please ask them to visit www.UnlockingTheMysteriesOfGenesis.org for more information.
God has granted us the privilege of serving as the hands and feet of Christ, fulfilling His work here on Earth. Those who have been given much by God have unique opportunities to direct resources into areas of need, in much the same way their spiritual needs are met by those of the “household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). But we all have the privilege of responding—indeed, we are commanded to impact eternal destinies by proclaiming His transforming gospel. This is obedience to Scripture, and the believer will thrive when doing and supporting His work. Because this is how God designed us.
Reference
- Tozer, A. W. 1959. The Transmutation of Wealth. In Born After Midnight. Chicago, IL: Christian Publications.
* Mr. Morris is Director of Donor Relations at the Institute for Creation Research.
