Wealth that we have, like any other thing that we possess, should be used for the works of the Kingdom of God. Money, like every other thing, should never be equated with God, nor come anywhere close to it. It must be, rather, considered the least among all the things we possess in life. Such an attitude will help us stand firm in our faith, and serve God fully and faithfully. Let us remember always, we are called to serve God, each of us, regardless of our vocation.
Today, 18 March, in 1885, a good 135 years back, the “Cambridge Seven” arrive in Shanghai, to be missionaries to China, through the China Inland Mission. All of them, young aristocrats, decided to become missionaries, and serve the LORD God Almighty.
All seven were students – six from Cambridge University, and one from the Royal Military Academy – Charles Thomas Studd, Montagu Harry Proctor Beauchamp, Stanley P. Smith, Arthur T. Polhill-Turner, Dixon Edward Hoste, Cecil H. Polhill-Turner, William Wharton Cassels. All were young, and from aristocratic families. They lacked nothing this world could offer. They were born into wealth, power and position. They could have become powerful and famous, in whatever they wished to pursue in life. Yet, they chose to serve God, and to “9…shew forth the praises of him who hath called you [the Cambridge Seven] out of darkness into his marvellous light:” – 1 Peter 2:9
How is our wealth being used? What percentage of it is serving us and our needs? What percentage of our wealth is used for the Kingdom of God? What about our time and talents? What about our life itself? If we are unable to serve God, His kingdom, and the needs thereof, with all that we have, and all that we are, then there certainly is something not going right with us. May the Cambridge Seven be an inspiration to us today. Let us serve the LORD!!!
"Not, how much of my money will I give to God, but, how much of God’s money will I keep for myself?"