In Solomon’s day, Israel was the center of the world. A crossroads of civilization and a thoroughfare for trade and travel, people from all over the world passed through the Land of Promise. When saturated with the wisdom and character of God, Israel was a faithful witness to those who passed through its borders. But Israel lost its mission when the busyness of the day became the goal and glory of its people.

“The missionary spirit that God had implanted in the heart of Solomon and in the hearts of all true Israelites was supplanted by a spirit of commercialism. … The revenue of the king and of many of his subjects was greatly increased, but at what a cost! Through the cupidity [greed, materialism] and shortsightedness of those to whom had been entrusted the oracles of God, the countless multitudes who thronged the highways of travel were allowed to remain in ignorance of Jehovah” (PK, p. 73).

History seems to be repeating itself in a modern “Land of Promise.” People have come from far and wide to see the wealth and wisdom of the United States. At one time the “land of the free and the home of the brave” possessed a powerful missionary spirit that gave witness to the world of the wonderful ways of God.

However, in many respects the missionary spirit has been supplanted by a spirit of commercialism today. This spirit has swelled our ever-expanding acquisition of stuff, thereby limiting our spirit of sacrificial giving. Even more, it has affected our living.

We have the most valuable object humanity may possess: a personal knowledge of God and His plan of salvation. Yet often how we live reveals a spiritual poverty. We have an opportunity to give away what we have freely received—salvation through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ—and we are abundantly blessed when we share. Will you spend your life for those who are ignorant of the true Land of Promise?

Please contact us at 1.800.937.4236 or service@afmonline.org that you may give what you cannot keep to gain what you cannot lose.

• Twitter