What kind of giver are you? What kind am I?
Do your friends consider you a giver?
Pastor Robert Morris (GatewayPeople.com) started the year talking about the amazing ways the church has grown and expanded in 2012. I always look forward to hearing all the things that God is doing, has done and what an amazing plan God has for the coming year.
One thing Pastor Robert says when talking about the "folks at Gateway" is that they are "outstanding givers". He remarks at how blessed the church is that "a majority of the members give regular - both in tithing and offerings" He even says we are fantastic givers!
When I hear him say this I can't help but think how the principle of giving is at work here. Generosity begets generosity. I truly believe God wants to show the world what an amazing Giver He is. And I think He does that in part, through His people. Not just "The Church" . Do you think Gateway givers are getting better at giving because they are just naturally that way - or that it's part of the demographics in the neighborhood? Maybe it has something to do with the generosity they are learning and seeing. John Maxwell says "Everything rises and falls on leadership". It's that "begetting" principle - or trickle down effect.
In Luke 6:38 Doctor Luke says in the Amplified Version - "Give, and (gifts) will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into the (the pouch formed by) the bosom (of your robe and used as a bag). For which the measure you deal out (with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others), it will be measured back to you.
What an amazing principle - that's God's plan. I believe God is an amazing Giver - and He wants us to be like Him in giving. You probably already know - that's not the nature of this world we live in to be givers. The message of the world is ME First and Me Now! We live exactly opposite of God's giving principle. Left to ourselves we are selfish --always looking out for ourselves - which in turn leaves always looking and never finding what really satisfies us. No one has to teach us how to be selfish - it's our in our nature - but it doesn't have to rule! We don't have learn the principle of selfishness.
It comes down to trust (doesn't it usually?) Trusting God's principle rather than our nature. We can learn to let this principle become our NEW nature - and become a true GIVER!.
When you think about becoming a better giver,think about more than money and things. Think about where you may be selfish. Are you selfish in your habits? In your relationships? In your attitudes?
The Message Bible reads - "Giving away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back-- given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity."
I challenge you to join me in asking God to show you the areas He wants you to grow in and help you to become a better giver.
Show us today Lord, one person, one way, one place we can give like you today.
Make me a better giver.
