Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Jesus said we are more blessed when we give, but how? I believe there are at least three ways we are blessed when we give.
First, giving delivers me from the bonds of selfishness. Receiving keeps the focus on me but giving forces me to think about others and their needs. You can give with selfish motives but not for long. Either the selfishness will choke out your giving or the giving will choke out your selfishness. Being less selfish is a huge blessing. Mark Twain said, "A man all wrapped up in himself makes a small package."
Second, giving unites me with the body of Christ. There is only so much one person can do. For instance, if I gave away 100% of my stuff, my time, my money, there would still be a lot of needs in the world. But if I join with millions of others and give we can bless millions of people. Together, Everyone, Accomplishes, More (TEAM). Our church gave over 800 boxes this year to Operation Christmas Child. In the greater San Jose area there were over 23,000 boxes collected. Our giving united us with the greater body of Christ so that more people can be served. What a blessing. I give...you give...others give...and the resources multiply and God blesses the gifts and the givers.
Third, giving brings me nearer to God. The closer I get to God the more blessed I become. Giving is one of the best ways I can imitate God. "For God so loved the world, He gave..."
Giving can deliver me from selfishness. Giving will unite me with the body of Christ. Giving will bring me near to the heart of God. That's why Jesus said we're more blessed when we give.
William Barclay once said, "In a world that’s bent on getting, the Christian must be bent on giving, for we know that what we keep we lose, and what we give we have."
Will you be bent on giving? If so, you will be blessed!
Pastor Tim
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