By realizing that everything
belongs to God in the first place we respond differently. When our lives are in order, putting God
first, all of life will be in order, and we will have peace. If our lives are out of order, then we will
never know order that sticks.
The earth is
the Lord’s, and everything in it. The
world and all its people belong to him.
It all belongs to God. You get that.
But there is a test. How do you
hold things? Are you greedy or
gracious? Do you hoard all you have for
a rainy day, or are you constantly sharing what God has given you? Having great perspective is a big deal.
If you are like me, you have
experienced the kindness of God through what you have learned and what you have experienced.
The kindness of God transforms our lives. It changes the way we think as well as the
way we react to the things that happen around us. Perspective gained through that kindness will
lead us to see God even more.
But Seek first the kingdom of God and
all these things will be added to you
Before anything else, seek
God. As I look back over the back2school
event, I see how God put together a group of people that have sought him and have
seen Him do amazing things. Last week I
wrote that “we can do more together than we can do a part”. That is a fact. What we can accomplish as a group of people
goes way beyond what we have done or can do by ourselves, and when God is in
the mix, lives are changed!
This applies to our giving
as well. How we use what we have been
given demonstrates how our perspective has changed. As the first verse said it is all God’s any
way.
“Give, and it will be given to you.
They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your
standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”
Joy is a huge benefit and is
found in our lives when our focus is on God.
People throughout the centuries have found themselves filled with joy
when they gave, and their joy came by their choice to give. Giving is a big deal to the people who have
been radically changed by God. The
questions change from what can I keep or how much can I hoard, to how much can
I give or who I can bless next.
Remember this—a farmer who plants only
a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.
There is an ROI (return on
investment) that comes. It comes as we
watch God work and allow God to work through our lives. The grace of God makes this possible. Literally Jesus became poor for us in order
to make us rich. There is
perspective. And I need that.
How can we keep all we have
for ourselves? How can we not share with
others and share what God has done when things have changed so much? Watch God work as you give and God fills you
with joy.
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be
refreshed.
No comments:
Post a Comment