For the next several weeks I will be focusing on creative giving. First, I will lay out the foundation of the “why” to give and later share the “how” to give from what God has entrusted to us. In this series we will explore how we can go beyond giving just the cash in our bank and savings accounts. Everything we own or have accumulated over our lives can be used strategically for a positive impact now and after we’re gone.
Acts 20:35
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
THE WHY…
It is more blessed to give than receive.
We hear this often, but do we really live our lives according to this principle? It looks as if most people believe it is more of a blessing to receive than give. I do believe every blessing comes from God, but the real blessings comes from giving not getting.
Why are we here?
Each one of us has to answer this question individually and it is one of the deepest, most thought provoking questions in life. God didn’t put us here to just conquer and take, but to make a positive long term impact by giving and serving others.
Matthew 20:28
Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
What kind of person would you rather be around? One who is a giver or one who is a taker? How do you want to be thought of while here? How do you want to be remembered after you’re gone?
Our actions reflect upon God’s character. When God gives, we receive, we then give, others receive, they give…and so on. If we just receive and never give back, it stops the chain reaction of giving. Our example can either teach others to keep the giving cycle in motion or stop it altogether.
One last thought provoking question of the day: Why is the Dead Sea dead?
Next week I will give you the answer, but feel free to look it up and see why. Reflect upon how the answer could apply to giving, or the lack thereof.