From the archives of Oral Roberts
Paul wrote in Philippians 4:16, 17, “For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift.”
Paul is quick to tell the Philippians that, while he is eager for them to give and to receive, and while he needs money to do his work, money isn’t the reason he’s writing to them. Paul clearly is saying, “Money is not my motivation. That’s not why I’m in the ministry.”
Each one of us needs money in order to live and to do what God calls us to do. That’s true for ministers and all other people. But, money is not to be our motivation.
If money wasn’t Paul’s motivation in telling the Philippians about giving, what was? He writes. “But I desire fruit that may abound to your account.”
Where does fruit come from? A planted seed that God has multiplied into a harvest.
What does it mean for fruit to “abound to your account?” It means for it to be overflowing. Not only are your needs met, but they are met to overflowing. The overflowing blessing allows us to be a blessing to others.
