HOW TO BUILD A STRONG FAMILY AND COMMUNITY BOND

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi

Luke 12:13 AMP "Someone from the crowd said to Him, Master, order my brother to divide the inheritance and share it with me. "
     The clamor for self-determination is at an all-time high globally and this is driven by the increasing desire by communities to have control over the exploration and exploitation of resources within their domain.  The  public outcry has been that of resource control with many secessionist movements threatening fire and brimstone until their demands are met.
           This was the situation between the two  brothers in Luke 12.13,  they had received an inheritance from their father with one probably having a larger share than the other. It is common for parents to will their properties based on sentimental values attached to each child. But it is not so with God, the scriptures says we are joint-heirs with Christ.
    It was the  selfish disposition by one of the brother’s that informed the request by the other for the sharing of the inheritance.Jesus knew that conceding to the request of being an arbiter between the brothers would be an endorsement of self-centeredness . This therefore, informed His reply to that request "And He said to them, Guard yourselves and keep free from all covetousness (the immoderate desire for wealth, the greedy longing to have more); for a man's life does not consist in and is not derived from possessing overflowing abundance or that which is over and above his needs." Satisfaction in life isn't achieved through material wealth. 
      Over 90% of the world's gross domestic product (GDP )is controlled by less than 9 % of the world's population,  that leaves over 70% of over seven billion persons living below the poverty datum line and  is the reason behind the current global political and social instability . This is because humanity is becoming more selfish by the day leading to crisis in marriages and communal clashes.
          Self-centeredness is the absence of love for others and being without consideration for their needs. The scriptures says in James 2:15-16 AMP "If a brother or sister is poorly clad and lacks food for each day, And one of you says to him, Good-bye! Keep [yourself] warm and well fed, without giving him the necessities for the body, what good does that do?" The disparity among church goers and the social classification that presently exists in the church will be eliminated when we begin to genuinely cater for each other and the sense of marginalization among members of the same community will be diminished..
    Hoarding generally leads to poverty, when we hold back what is meant to be given for the sustenance of the community ,we lose faith for the blessing of multiplication. This is a manifestation of the lack of faith in the lord , the scriptures says Proverbs 11:24 AMP "There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want.." Benevolence is a demonstration of our confidence in God's provisions .
     Genuine Christianity is sacrificial and doesn't consider any thing as it's own. The scriptures says that the earth belongs to God and everything in it.  The resources in our possession are for the propagation of the  gospel : selfishness hinders this thus giving Satan the advantage , Philippians 2:21says "For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. " the selfish cannot keep a relationship ; they lack the capacity to commit to a righteous course.  2Timothy 3:1 says "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,  boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,"
        Selfish Christians often twist scriptures to suit their self-centeredness and it's the reason why many cannot experience the power of God which only works when the truth of God's word is presented resulting in faith for the miraculous(Romans 10:17).
      Selfishness is learned during one's formative age ;children who are often allowed to have their way grow up to become very selfish spouses . Eli was a highly respected priest in Israel but fell through the selfishness of his sons (1 Samuel 2 :22-25 ). They were engrossed in sexual sins and plundered the offerings meant for the temple .  This led to a rebellion by worshipers and the eventual death of many including  Eli and his sons. The selfishness of a husband could bring about disaster upon  a family. When one partner in a marriage tithes and the other does not, it exposes the family to the negative effect of self-centeredness. The main reason why we are admonished to tithe is to destroy selfishness ( Deut 14:23) Non-tithing spouses struggle with bitterness and are unforgiving .This is the sad effect of selfishness. Tithing predates the church.Africans gave tithes in the form of oblations before meals and it was the binding force behind communities.Through tithing Abraham demonstarted his selflessness before God. We should prayerfully ask God how to use what has been committed to our care.
       Unselfishness is the key to greatness . The world is seeking for unselfish men and women to be put in places of political leadership. Abraham demonstrated his unselfishness when he gave up part of his estate to his nephew Lot for peace to reign . ( Genesis.13:9 ) God rewards our unselfishness through miraculous breakthroughs. Psalm 34:9-10 AMP "O fear the Lord, you His saints [revere and worship Him]! For there is no want to those who truly revere and worship Him with godly fear. The young lions lack food and suffer hunger, but they who seek (inquire of and require) the Lord [by right of their need and on the authority of His Word], none of them shall lack any beneficial thing." As you read this receive grace for uncommon help in Jesus name.
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Email: michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com