It’s Not Yours

Make 2014 a year of Sharing

“If you are really eager to give, it isn’t important how much you are able to give. God wants you to give what you have, not what you don’t have.”  – 2 Corinthians 8:12

 I took Lisa out to dinner a few weeks ago.  We had just been approved for our build-loan so we decided to treat ourselves.  The food was great, the company was better, but the waitress was incredible that night.  She ensured that we always had full water glasses, brought additional warm rolls and honey butter and spent time with us as if we were the only ones in the restaurant.  She laughed with us, carried on a conversation and made sure that she met all of our needs that night.  As I received the bill, without a second guess I wrote in the tip of 20% on top of the sizable bill.  

Generosity has never been a shortcoming in our household.  It is a love language of both of us, and we have to consistently check each other with a discerning objective counsel to ensure that we aren’t being taken advantage of.  In life we are blessed, not for the purpose of our wasteful spending, but for the purpose of helping God’s children in need.  Tithing 10% of one’s income is the only place in the bible where God specifically tells us to test Him.  Whatever means we have, His request is for us to cheerfully give 10% to the church and live off of 90%.  Certainly God wants us to tithe, not because it’s a monthly bill or legalistic; but because we want to see the expansion of His Kingdom on earth.  If we can tip a waitress 10% for the basic act of serving our food, are we not willing to give the Lord 10% for providing a path of salvation and eternal life?  He asks us to give of our time and our talents to help those who are in need.  As a matter of fact He asks for us to give everything to serve Him. 

What a novel concept.  How many people do you know that have given everything to serve God with 100%?  They’ve given up the luxuries for the simplest of necessities.  They’ve given up their dreams to pursue the dreams of a small child in Haiti.  They’ve given up their college education to ensure that the addict on the street corner makes it into the rehab center to get a fresh start.  They’ve given up the corporate office to spooning up stew and soup at the local food shelter.  When you’re ready to give, it is important to give everything you have.  God has blessed you with so very much, and I’m not talking monetarily.  You have talents, gifts and love to share with all of those around you.  What is stopping you from helping the man or woman on the corner that hasn’t eaten in two or three days?  Is it their appearance, is it their addictions, is it a distrust in what they’ll do with what you give them?  I suggest that you put those thoughts aside the next time and take the action to expand God’s Kingdom by one more person.  Share yourself with another and bring them love, comfort and peace for one night.  Let God show Himself through you, He has placed you in this position for a purpose.  Use what He has given you to it’s fullest potential.  It’s time.

Prayer:
Loving Father,
You have given me everything I have; my wealth, my health, my home and my family.  You have blessed me with abundance, that I might use it to propagate and further Your Kingdom.  Place me in the right place at the right time to ensure that those who need it most are found to be favorable in Your eyes and blessed by what You have given me.  I seek to be Your feet and Your hands on this earth, give me Your eyes for just one moment to understand how You see them and love them.  In Your name we pray – Amen

© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
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