First!

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matt. 6:33.

If we do this, we will not only receive what we need for ourselves, we will also receive something to give to someone who is in need, besides giving for what is good and right. 2 Cor. 9:8-11. We will thus be able to do what is written in Deuteronomy 15:6: “You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow . . . .”

Therefore, first of all begin to pursue righteousness. Pay everyone what you owe him. Do not give gifts to one person while you owe money to another. Be content and frugal, so that you can soon pay off your debt. Pay your duty and tax with a willing heart. God will greatly bless you in this work so that you will receive abundantly for every good work and will not have to give gifts with a bad conscience because you know that you owe money in another place.

Your righteous attitude will thus be revealed so that all those who love the good will thank God for it. And the Father, who is the giver of all good gifts, will arrange it so that you can give of what is yours—which is blessed! Read Exodus 35:5, underlining of what is yours. [Old Norwegian Bible translation.]

First pay your debt—then disperse of what is yours with joy, and your horn will be exalted with honor! Ps. 112.

Also read Romans 13 and 2 Corinthians 8:12-15. Do not think that you are helping to spread God’s kingdom by giving money to the mission work if you owe any money. On the contrary! If you are in that position and want to be along in giving to God’s kingdom, you are doing it by paying off your debt! If you are spiritual, you will know that this is God’s commandment. Its foundation is to desist from all unrighteousness. See 2 Timothy 2:19. Your house will not stand without a foundation. Therefore see to it that your house will stand! If someone wants to conceal his unrighteousness, then take note of this: your attitude will be revealed by all your actions so that you cannot hide in the church where the light shines. Besides, we know that there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed.