Give With Your Heart
"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." -- Matthew 6:3-4
This is the season of giving. Everyone seems to have their hands out. The causes seem good. We want all children to have presents on Christmas morning. We want the elderly to be warm and have food. We want to take care of our own families and the people who touch our lives. And, to be honest, sometimes we want a little credit for it all.
Wrong. Oh, sure, we sign the tags on the gifts to family and friends. But why do we feel the need to get credit every time we do something good for someone else? It's like we need to do it publicly so that we can validate that we're a good person. What does it matter what other people think? God sees what we do. That's enough.
There is that whole motive thing going on. Do we give because we genuinely want to do good and help others as Jesus has called us to do? Or do we give because we want the pat on the back we get when people see us giving money, food or toys? Think about it. Nobody but God is listening to your thoughts so be honest with yourself.
I love to give. It makes me feel good inside. I love to imagine a child opening a gift on Christmas morning. I enjoy thinking of a family eating warm soup on a cold night. I get something out of giving that has nothing to do with recognition. It's a feeling inside that tells me I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing.
Jesus has called us to share our blessings with others. Sometimes I think I just can't do anymore. I've done enough. Money is tight. I can come up with all kinds of excuses. Then I pray about it and I do what God calls me to do -- even when I have no idea where the extra money will come from. That's the thing about God. When He calls you to do something, He always provides a way.
This Christmas season take a moment to share your blessings. Give toys or food or money where you can. Maybe that means dropping a dollar in the Salvation Army kettle or buying an extra can of soup for the food bank. It could be crocheting a warm afghan for an elderly person or taking Christmas decorations to the nursing home. There's no limit on what you can do for others. Just ask Jesus to show you what to do. Then follow your heart.
No comments:
Post a Comment