are you a giver or a taker

Being human we are most often takers and not givers.  Take a look at a new born.  We are born with needs, but you have to admit that little ones are selfish.  There is nothing they can do for themselves.  Our kids often grow up selfish unless we teach them different.

It is Christmas season.  Today is December 1st, and this year has flown by.  Always disturbs me when I see people talking about and asking for every thing.  There are many givers out there and in our churches, but the takers seem to get more attention or I notice them more.  How about you?  That is why I am always amazed by and thankful for the people who begin to act like God and give.  No.  They are not being arrogant or conceded.  They are simply doing what Jesus would do.  Which is ...

Luke 12:33-35 (nlt) ---  "Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it.  Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.  Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning,

Are you going to do that this Christmas?  What are you going to give away?  This is a tough time.  The economy continues to be a struggle.  Plenty of people around us have have needs.  Some are so big they are hard to meet.  But if some of us gather together we can help them.  But some of these needs are not that big and if we would open our eyes and step out we could and would make a difference.

By the way, being a taker may just mean you keep to yourself.  Listen to that again.  You may not be asking for a handout or for help.  It may be you don't reach out to others.  That makes a person a taker and not a giver.  Why?  You have been blessed by God.  Right?  Then, stop taking and start giving.  Why?

Luke 12:48b (nlt) --- ... When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.

I leave you with a thought.  God requires His kids to be givers.  We are never more like God than when we are giving.  Are you a giver or a taker?