Outreach: Part 2
Awesomeness In Giving
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift !” 2 Corinth. 9:15
The extraordinary grace and the impact of giving to meet the needs of others was beautifully presented by apostle Paul in his epistles to the Corinthians. I was thrilled within my soul when I received a revelation on this theme when I read this part of the Scriptures for the first time. I found myself going over the chapter several times. In fact, most of my prayers often revolve around praising God for being my All-Sufficient Lord. I sense it is the awareness and acknowledgment that the Lord Almighty is the Source of everything I have that makes the difference between giving grudgingly or out of compulsion and someone that reaches out to others with a cheerfulness and gladness that uplift the benefactors in wondrous thanks to God.
A Grateful heart is a Humble Heart
The Lord God in His divine wisdom and foreknowledge made concrete arrangement for those of His people who may not be well placed materially. God knew that for some reasons some people will be in need of material blessings for basic necessities of life. Thus, speaking through Moses God reminded the people to recognize that although they diligently tilled the soil and harvested in abundance, it was His grace that was the underlying force behind the blessings. True humility directs our focus heavenly despite our overflowing accomplishments. This right attitude of heart keeps pride in check and engenders tenderness and kindness towards others in material distress.
“When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you. Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, lest when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage…………then you say in your heart, ‘ My power and the might of my hand have gained me the wealth.’ And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” Deut. 8:10-18.
Ingratitude leads to Material Bondage
Truly our heavenly Father is a God of abundance. He is Jehovah-Jireh; the great Provider. In His covenant relationship with His people God promised material blessings. However, with much blessings comes expectation of great responsibilities. As you demonstrate a right relationship with the Lord in obedience to His precepts regardless, there is a promise of promotion in the end. You will be first and not last; head and not tail. I believe that in His wisdom to avert the material riches from becoming a snare and entrapment for His people, our caring Lord placed much emphasis in tenderness of heart towards the poor. True giving as an act of gratitude safeguards the rich from the potential spiritual corrosion of wealth. You have freely received Salvation of your soul but not abounding in obedience to the precept of giving will undoubtedly become stronghold to your spiritual growth and walk of Faith.
“The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22.
The archenemy of Christ and deceiver of the brethren would love the blessings of God to become a source of sorrow to them. But the Preserver of our soul in His amazing grave instructs us to abound in cheerful giving as He supplies more blessings into our barns. As your mind is renewed by God’s Word, the privilege of being a conduit of His riches becomes a settled resolution in your heart and the vulture is kept away. Hallelujah!!!
“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19.