Lavish!

The rich are often described as living "LAVISH lifestyles." Perhaps when hearing the annual income of some we wonder what they could possibly do with so much money. Maybe secretly we tell ourselves it might be nice having the opportunity to try. However, sometimes the "well off" go bankrupt and again we wonder about how such could happen. Often it is because of out-of-control LAVISH living: huge dinner parties, fancy yachts, five or more luxurious homes in various locations around the world, private jets, etc. Like the prodigal son ( Luke 15:13) it is possible to take the wealth, squander it, and soon find themselves empty. Still there are those who have the means to live LAVISHLY who are also QUITE GENEROUS toward worthy causes.

In Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus, He noted GOD'S GENEROSITY toward us where we read. . .

"(7) In him [Jesus Christ (vs.6)] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE, (8) WHICH HE LAVISHED UPON US, in all wisdom and insight (9) making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ (10) AS A PLAN FOR THE FULLNESS OF TIME, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth." ( Ephesians 1:7-10 ESV)

The Greek word translated "LAVISHED" is from "perisseuo" which denotes "of exceeding a certain number, or measure, to be over," and "to exist in abundance; as of wealth." It is used by Paul here to indicate "to make abundant or to cause to excel." [source: W.E. Vine's Expository Dict. Of N.T. Words]

God is the Great Giver of all good things. He is all about SHARING HIS WEALTH with us. He wants our lives to be blessed in ways far beyond what the things of this world can offer. Though our money may be used to His glory as we utilize it for promoting His work of reaching out to meet both physical and spiritual needs, the riches of God provide blessing far beyond our lifetime on earth. And that is because of the "RICHES OF HIS GRACE" extended through Christ.

May we not make this GENEROSITY OF GOD seem to have been squandered by receiving HIS GRACE in vain. ( 2 Corinthians 6:1) Instead, let us live to please and glorify Him, thus showing due appreciation for the "RICHES OF HIS GRACE" made possible through the blood of Jesus shed on our behalf.

Have a great day ACKNOWLEDGING HOW TRULY RICH WE ARE!
Carl

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