If the Lord wills, over the next few weeks I would like to dig into a study about giving, so we can flourish even more in it! God generously gives us all things (1 Timothy 6:17-19, James 1:5), and He does this so that we can give to others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 9:8)!
How do we cultivate a generous, giving heart? I think we must first give ourselves to God. We need to know
and trust God and His word, only then can we be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1), and be generous, like He
is, in all good things.
Jesus said,
“If
anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children,
brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And
whoever cannot bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple… whoever
of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26-27, 33)
We cannot
let our parents ideas of what is right, our siblings notions of goodness, nor
our own feelings come before serving God and obeying His word; even if it’s what our parents “have always done,” even if
our siblings now call us a stick in the mud, and especially if we’re beginning
to think we’ve already done enough/learned enough to be “okay.” As true Christians,
we are part of the kingdom of God and Jesus Christ is our King (1 Timothy 6:13-16), are you willing to give up all other rule and authority in your life to
follow Him in His way? Take time to read and consider 1 John 2:3-6.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2 NKJV)God does not ask too much of us when He commands us to sacrifice our own notions, ideas, and desires so that we can be transformed into a new person created in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:17-24). Giving ourselves to Him, allowing His instructions and commands to transform us (so we no longer look, sound, nor act like the world), is the only way to prove to both ourselves and others around us that God’s will is good and acceptable and perfect!
When we
give ourselves to God we do not let anyone’s opinion sway us – no matter if
they be family, friend, or self – we will compare words with God’s word;
if what is said does not align with what God has said, we stick with God – we submit
to Him, Our Creator and Father, not to
the person in error. It will not be easy, but it will be worth it. What God
commands us to give up is minuscule in comparison to what He gives us in return
(Psalm 68:19, Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians
4:17)!
Please open
your Bible and take time to think on these passages: Galatians 2:20, Matthew 16:24-27/Luke 9:23-26, and Romans 1:16-17
“Therefore since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:1-2 NKJV)
Are you ready to flourish in giving? God asks us to first give ourselves
to Him, that we may do His will and be proof that it is worthy of doing! God
is faithful and His promises are true! Trust His word – it is only ever for
your good – obey His commands and give yourself wholly to Him!
You can do it! So can I!!
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