Your Resources

“Honor the LORD from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.”—Proverbs 3:9–10 NASB

Born into English aristocracy, Selina Shirley became Lady Huntingdon after marrying Theophilus Hastings in 1728. This guaranteed her a life of wealth and privilege.

When her husband died, she wondered what to do with her life and the resources she inherited. The natural response would have been to indulge herself. She decided to get the opinion of Howell Harris, one of Britain’s leading ministers.

Harris urged her to dedicate her life to serving Christ. She took his advice and committed everything she had to Him. Based on this total commitment, she became known as the “evangelical archbishop.”

She used her wealth and stature to impact lives who normally would have been cold to the Gospel. She founded a religious society, built several chapels, and established a seminary. She helped finance ministries and provided legal protection for clergy who faced opposition. She held Bible studies and prayer meetings.

In her last will and testament, she summarized her life goal: “All my present peace and my hope of future glory depend wholly, fully, and finally upon the merits of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.” She made her life count for His Kingdom and honored Him with her resources.

Think about your life. No matter what resources you have or your position in society, you have unique opportunities to serve God and influence people for the Gospel. Dedicate your life to Him. Let Him use you to change lives.

Reflection Question: How can you use the resources you have to spread the Gospel?