I like t read ‘The Message’…I enjoy the way Eugene Peterson words things…You know what I don’t like? Infomercials on at night that entices people to get rich fast…You even see this creeping into the church. People think Jesus is a money dispenser, you just need enough faith.
Jesus says in Mark Chapter 4:24-25
"Listen carefully to what I am saying—and be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes."
Let’s look at this for just a moment. Giving and not getting is the way…Is this true for all things? I think it is…Giving comes from the heart; you have to be willing to give, before you can give. You have to be willing to give up something ‘of value’ to another. So many of us give something away…because it is no longer of any use to us and we call this giving…but the giving Jesus is talking about is sacrificial. This is the kind of giving that changes us, changes our heart. Giving to your church should be done because you truly want to give…from your heart. I would rather you hang onto your money if your heart isn’t in it.
Giving shows we trust…by giving to your church…or because God has laid a need upon your heart to give to someone…shows you trust God. What that person does with the money, isn’t your concern….your concern is to do what God has told you to do, and this is trusting God and not yourself. How many of us give something away to a needy person and worry that they will use the money for something else?
Jesus also said in Luke Chapter 6:35
“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it.
Give without expecting a return…this is the key to sacrificial living. The giving that keeps giving…it is when you reach this point God will flow through you to bless more and more people. Because keeping it will not be the issue…giving it away will be the need. Along the way God will bless and meet your needs…I promise, because God promises. I have never met a sour-faced, mean, gracious person, have you? The words just don’t blend together.
Give, give, give…give of your time, give of your money…give….and why do we give? Because God first gave to us….remember everything starts with God…He gave his Son…He gives you health…He gives you life and everything you have…So give back…
-ps
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