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The Giver

Giving sure seems easy at Christmas time. Everyone is out at the stores, looking for that perfect gift. People are much more charitable, and aware, that some people are going without. This is the one time a year where it seems like everyone rallies together to make sure that every child gets something, and no person goes hungry.
Let's skip ahead to tax time. We all know it is right around the corner. People are making plans on where that money is going to go. What they're going to buy for themselves. I'm guilty of this. I have plans for a Virginia Beach vacation, some more essential oils, pay off some bills. These are all things that are centered around me. Sometimes I wonder what my life would look like if I lived in truth. The truth is, all that I have, all that's around me, is God's. None of this belongs to me. Why do I so selfishly white-knuckle-hold things that I can't even keep? Jim Elliot said "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose."
I used to struggle with tithing. A lot actually. It hurt me to write that check, but I did it in obedience. My perspective was all off. Perspective is everything. You see, I was sad about what I had to give to God. I didn't see that I was only giving back, what God gave me in the first place. It's all His. If we give Him first of all we have, He will bless what is left. If we just give Him what's left, there's nothing to bless. I realized I shouldn't be dreading what I was giving back to God, and instead praising Him for what He let me keep.
2 Corinthians 9:7 says 'Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.'
When I changed my perspective, I became a cheerful giver. (It's worth noting here that being a cheerful giver, is more than just money. Be a cheerful giver of love, of grace, of time, etc.) While the giving season may be over, as Christians, we are called to a giving lifestyle. 'The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.' Psalm 37:21.
There is a direct correlation with generosity and being thankful. If we are truly thankful for all that God has given us, then we tend to be more generous with it.
I think a lot about what I want my kids to get out of the things that I'm learning now. What I would like them to remember about giving is pretty simple. Wherever your heart is, that is where your resources will be. Make sure your priorities line up with God's priorities. The other thing I would like for them to remember is you can't out give God, but my hope is that you spend your life trying.


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