“For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,” (2 Corinthians 9:12–13, ESV)
There is a principle of investing called multiplication. It works like this. If you started with one dollar and doubled the amount you have every week for a year you would have an exponential increase in your wealth. For example, one dollar after one week would be come two dollars. In another week your two dollars would become four dollars. The next week four would become eight, etc. In thirty-one weeks, you would be a millionaire. Of course, this would become very difficult to achieve since there are very few if any ways you could consistently double your money every week. It might work in the beginning when you start by putting away a dollar, then two, then four, then eight but soon you would need to take $1,024 and multiply it to $2,048 in one week.
While financially this model of multiplication by doubling money would seem impossible over the long haul, the principle of multiplying in great numbers is very much possible from a spiritual standpoint. This does not mean that if you give money to the church that you will somehow become a millionaire in thirty-one weeks. Yet spiritually you can have a great influence in multiplying thanksgiving that will result in glorifying God. This is the point that Paul wrote of here. The collection transported to the saints in Jerusalem who had a great need would result in their giving thanks to God. In fact, Paul indicated that their thanksgiving would be “overflowing.” The verb translated “overflowing,” perisseuo, means to superabound (Strong G4052). Not only would the giver have the satisfaction of being a vessel of the Lord to help others, but the recipients would superabound in thanksgiving to God. In both ways God would be glorified.
Today we have the same ability. God has blessed us with so much and we in turn are able to use what He has amply supplied to bless others. God has given us all the material resources we have. He has given us abilities. He has given us time. He has given us spiritual power. Moreover, He provides opportunities to extend blessings to others (Eph 2:10). When we do, there is a doubling effect of thanksgiving and praise going to God. Moreover, those who are recipients of our generosity also tell others. The praise is multiplied as the word spreads. When one person is blessed by God, two others may be blessed also.
Recently our church did something called “Serve Sunday.” We met early for worship and then went out to serve others in the community. It was a blessing to be the body of Christ in our community, meeting real needs. We did so in four different venues. Those who received our help were so thankful. We gave the glory to God. Yet we were also blessed. We had a glorious day. What a blessing for all. After the time of serving, we returned to the church. I was in the early afternoon. We all were wearing red T-shirts with our logo and bold letters that stated SERVE. As we finished lunch, a couple on vacation stopped by who were not affiliated with our church. I spoke with them and explained that we as the body of Christ were out to bless our community in a pattern after that which Jesus demonstrated in His earthly ministry. They were expressed how blessed they were to see what we were doing. They understood that we were blessing others not for our glory by for the glory of God. They in turn praised the Lord.
Multiplying thanksgiving and glorifying God is not that difficult. It only takes servants to use what they have to bless others and the blessings will multiply for His glory.
Renewing the Heart 