A ministry of Tomatoes

​I heard my Sunday school teacher say that she shared with her neighbors some of her tomatoes which her garden seemed to have in abundance. Her desire was not only to be kind but also cultivate opportunities to speak with neighbors about the Lord. She made the comment, “The Lord has given me this ministry of tomatoes” and that grabbed my attention. It made me stop and consider that the things we have are not given to us only for our benefit. Our possessions are to be used for God’s glory and my teacher recognized that her surplus of tomatoes could be a blessing to her neighborhood but also open the door for important conversations.
God's philosophy of wealth
The American dream is based on the idea of equality, that no matter who you are you can achieve success and status. While there is nothing wrong with making money and enjoying the benefits it brings, the problems begin when we are consumed by it or consume it only upon ourselves. God’s view of wealth is different from ours. In our minds wealth means we can live lavishly but I think the believers in the church of Acts who had surplus had a mentality that was more in line with God’s philosophy of wealth.
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,  (Acts 2:44-46)
Those who had extra quickly liquidated it so they could distribute it to those in need. I want to make it clear that I am not saying we have to sell all of our extra and give it away or that we cannot spend money on ourselves. What I am saying is that we should always be ready to help meet a need whenever we are able. This first congregation was ready to help those who were in a financial strain. Maybe they had lost a job, a crop failed, or there was an illness. Whatever the need, this group of believers was there to be a blessing.
Means of distribution 
I remember hearing someone say that God likes to pour into a bag with holes meaning He desires for His people to be a means of distribution. Consider for a moment one of the Old Testament ways of providing for the poor and the widows. At harvest time, those with fields were not to glean every single stalk but leave the corners and let them follow behind to gather the pieces that fell from the workers. This was one of the ways God met the needs of His people through others. The New Testament believers were updating the method of provision by intentionally giving to those in need instead of investing more in themselves. These acts of care and compassion surely did not go unnoticed by the community. Imagine what went through the mind of the person who bought from one of the believers and heard that they were selling so they could help someone else. To a lost individual that must have seemed crazy but it also illustrated the transformation that takes place in the life of someone who is saved. Our life is meant to be a testimony of what happens when Jesus is King or at least, it should. If we live for ourselves, hoarding the resources God has given to us instead of asking Him how we can best use it for His glory, are we making an impact?
I desire to be a funnel, a bag with holes that God can use to meet the needs of others and perhaps be an answer to prayer. My possessions are not mine, they have been bestowed upon me so that, yes my needs are met, but also so I can help others when I am able. 
An real life illustration
When I was a teenager, my mom came home after paying a call to a new visitor in our church. She and her friend were greeted by a young mom of three whose husband was currently deployed. This mother was embarrassed to invite them in because there was barely any place to sit not because the house was messy but because there was no furniture. Bill collectors had come and taken most of their belongings including beds for the children. When my mom shared this with my dad, they immediately went into action. We packed our spare bedroom set from the guest room including the mattress, bedding, and decorations along with an extra desk and computer. We phoned another couple in our church and asked if they could help. They gave us a bunk bed along with a few other items. My parents also went out and bought some additional furnishings and delivered it to this family. She was a puddle of tears as she watched this couple she didn’t know provide a desperate need. This mother continued to come to church and soon opened her heart to Jesus. When her husband came home he was so moved by what these people from church had done that he attended a service and gave His life to Christ as well. The last we heard they were busy serving in the church and raising their children to God’s glory.
A ministry of tomatoes
How different this story might have been if not for some believers rallying together to meet a need by giving of their surplus, their tomatoes you might say, and even giving sacrificially. May I be so bold as to say, there is no place for hoarders in God’s kingdom, only givers. This does not mean we give to every need we see or read about. After all there are countless advertisements in the mail and on television vying for our money but we should be ready to give as God leads. We can also be a mediator like when my parents brought this need to the attention of others who joined in giving. We may never know the eternal difference our gift makes when we let God guide our giving but may we live eager to obey. May we recognize that what we have is also a gift from Him, our ministry of tomatoes.