Philemon 1: 17 So, if you think of me as
your partner, welcome him back just as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any
wrong or owes you anything, charge it to my account. 19 Here, I will write this
with my own hand: I, Paul, will pay you back (I should not
have to remind you, of course, that you owe your very self to me.) 20 So, my brother, please do
me this favor for the Lord's sake; as a brother in Christ, cheer me up!
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“We are going to
cut many positions” were the words I did not like to hear. I questioned if it
was about my performance and everyone around me said no. Finally I got down to
the bottom of my investigation. “It is about the money.”
- I experienced a cut based on the bottom line
- I worked hard, but to no avail.
- I received an award for an outstanding team member as I left the company.
Paul tried to make
it very clear that if Onesimus owed any money to Philemon, he would pay it
back. He tried to implore on Philemon that it is not about the money rather
about the relationship with CHRIST. If mistakes were made, or money owed, then
Paul asked that it be charged to him.
My Observations
- Money should not be my motivation for serving GOD.
- Simply helping others should be the reason for when I am serving for the LORD.
- Grace is what JESUS showed as the ultimate example.
Money is a
motivator in the wrong way at times. I mean, it breaks up relationships if
sought after in the wrong way. BUT GOD has a remedy. HE wants you and me to
place people above the problems loving money can bring.
GOD sees people and
will repay to each of us how we treat them. HE wants a solid relationship with
HIS creation and money should not be the barrier to that relationship,
especially when he or she has professed the JESUS is LORD. I am glad to help
those who call on the LORD as the Savior.
Challenge
- Can you feel the empathy from the writer?
- Have you ever judged someone based on how much or how little he or she spent?
- Have you ever needed someone to speak on your behalf?
- Will you pursue helping people keep a solid relationship with those who believe in CHRIST today?
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