MINE!
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV
Theme: Generosity is when we give willingly without reservation.
FROM THE START
When a baby begins to talk, their first words are often things like “mama,” “dada,” and “no.” Those common words are usually followed quickly by the word “mine,” especially if the child has a sibling. Human beings are quick to identify and defend what we deem to be our possessions, our space, our money, and even our time.
EVEN TODAY
My family and I moved to a new home where the street and sidewalk are much closer to our front door than our previous home. I find myself looking suspiciously out the front window when people linger in front of “my” house, like I own the sidewalk and subdivision. Have you ever been on a boat or bus ride, say at Disney, when people begin filing in, and the one family who has a much smaller personal bubble than you do decides to sit right beside you, infringing into “your” space? That space (your space) was a common area just moments before you decided to plant yourself there, and now has suddenly been claimed! All of these situations make me bristle a little just thinking of them.
BUT IT’S NOT REALLY MINE
Yet, what is MINE was always His! I am quick to take ownership of many aspects of my life, often overlooking the Source of it all. If my things, my home, my money, and my time were not first provided by God, what would there be for me to possess? Yet, I am stingy with them all.
What if we were to totally shift our thought process and consider that we don’t actually OWN anything at all; we are simply borrowing or caretaking for our generous God. Would our willingness to give be greater if we knew that God would replace or even multiply what we faithfully used? After all, that’s the fear, right? If I tithe, what if I don’t have enough left for me?
WHAT GOD WANTS
God doesn’t need my stuff. He wants my heart. He clearly outlines the call to His followers to be generous givers (2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Psalm 24:1, James 1:17) and Jesus exemplified this characteristic while He walked the earth. The story of the loaves and fishes is one of the first stories in the Bible we learn as children. In this story, the miracle Jesus provided fed thousands. As you read back through this story in Mark 8, note that Jesus’ first act was to give thanks to God before He broke the bread for the disciples to distribute. Jesus, in human form, experienced hunger. The disciples were undoubtedly hungry, too. Before anything else, Jesus acknowledged the source of this blessing, gave thanks, and willingly gave to others, expectant that God would bless them with sufficiency.
Make It Personal: Consider today whether you’re giving God what is precious to you or just what is leftover. Is there a faith gap to your generosity? Does your life of service or tithing hurt just a little? If not, it might be time for an honest assessment of how to dig a little deeper and re-prioritize your resources. God promises to honor your faithfulness when you give without compulsion.
Pray: Father, I am selfish and fearful by nature. Please reveal to me where I need to take that extra step of faith in my life. Whether it’s with my finances, my time, or my attention, help me put You first and experience the joy of being a cheerful giver. Help me to stop confusing needs with wants. As my life begins to change, revealing how I have prioritized You, allow me to acknowledge it, and give You the glory. Thank you for always providing exactly enough and all that I need. Amen.
Read: Matthew 6:27; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Malachi 3:10; Psalm 24:1; James 1:17
Weekly Memory Verse: “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25, NLT