Learning To Give
by James Robison
Week of October 17, 2004
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down,
shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38)
Anyone who has been around the church for any period of time has heard this passage quoted. But too often, the focus is on the latter part of the principle: it will be given to you.
In the new book, True Prosperity, I discuss several Biblical keys to obtaining true prosperity. Let’s look at one of the most important keys that will unlock the windows of heaven to pour down on your soul. This is the principle of giving.
The lesson in this passage in the book of Luke is not that God wants His people to learn how to “get”. The western mentality says, "What's in it for me?" This is carried over into ministry. "All right, if I get right with God, Pastor, if I give to the offering, what's in it for me?" If this is the thought process behind our giving, then we have missed the point entirely. Our motivation should be obedience to God and a loving desire to bless the Lord and other people. Learning to deny ourselves in order to benefit and help others really is a vital step toward meaningful life.
Our thoughts should not be on the return, but on releasing to the glory of God and the good of other people. Ironically, focusing on the return seems to be the most effective way to block God’s blessing in your life, typically because our expectation is not the same as God’s promise.
God doesn’t want us to play the money game. This is not spiritual bingo or Bible lottery. Giving is the essence of life. Jesus wants us to understand this principle. If we release that which He has freely given us, I believe with all my heart He will increase it for His purpose—not so we can build bigger barns but so we can know what it means to live life abundantly. Those who focus on earthly treasures and receiving a blessing may get a lot of stuff, but they will not experience fullness of life or fullness of joy. In the end, they will rot in their stuff. I can show you as much misery per square foot in an affluent, suburban neighborhood as you will see in inner city ghettos. Possessions do not produce meaningful life and lasting joy.
I am convinced that if you take hold of this truth and your heart’s focus changes, it is impossible to stop God’s blessing in return. The nature of God is one of mercy, love, and blessing. The law of sowing and reaping is an absolute law. But we must leave the return up to the will and timing of the Lord.
This Week
Find some way to give to someone in need. Give of your time, your love, or your money. Seek to bless someone solely for the purpose of sharing God’s love.
Prayer
“Lord, help me to become a river of life, releasing your love to others freely, while trusting you to enact the law of sowing and reaping as You see fit, exceeding my own expectations.”
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