Borrowers and Lenders - 2nd April 2008

“Jesus answered ‘the work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent’ ”
John 6:29

William Shakespeare, as well as being a playwright, was also a shrewd businessman. His advice to us? “Neither a borrower nor a lender be.” Whilst it may have seemed like good advice for worldly success, it goes right against the grain of Christianity.

As Christians we are encouraged to be generous and to lend to those in need without ever expecting anything in return. Those in plenty shall give, and those in need shall receive. However, human pride means we often struggle to receive from others when in need, and if we do accept a gift of some sort we then feel indebted to that person until we are able to pay them back again. We like to be self-sufficient and our pride is dented if we are not able to be so.

We don’t like to feel indebted to somebody – we prefer to make it on our own. For some of us, this feeling also extends to the grace that God has shown through offering us salvation through Jesus. We feel we should be doing something to gain our salvation but that means that we would be putting our faith and trust into the things we can do, rather than looking to God.

In today’s passage we are confronted with a humbling truth – only God can save us and there is nothing we can contribute to that salvation other than our own need.

Do you ever find it easier to talk about what you or your church is doing for God, rather than what God has done for you? If so, remember afresh today what the Gospel reveals and serve God in response not pride. Be encouraged today to put your pride to one side and speak more of your need for God and of what he is doing for you.