Giving & Getting

Lately I have been pondering the layout of my life and the balance of what I get verses what I give.  Sometimes people tend to focus on what they’re not getting in this life, what  they are not making financially, those trips they are not taking, or the promotions they are not receiving.  It can go even further, especially as we get older with the ‘what if’ scenarios men tend to ponder on.  What if I had done this or went there or married this person or took this path instead of that path and so forth.  The phrase, ‘If I had only known then what I know now’ and such statements like it all play into the enemy’s trap to getting us off track to what the Lord would have us do.  All of this is a lie, a trick, a distraction from the enemy of your soul.  The devil will do whatever it takes to get you thinking on those things that not only don’t matter, but that are harmful to the path that you are on; especially if it’s the right path.

This close to the Rapture, we need to be giving God our ‘A’ game and not allow the enemy to distract us or dissuade us from the path of righteousness that we are called to walk.  There are people in our sphere of influence who need us to exemplify Christ in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.

Jesus said it this way, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”                                – Matthew 5:16

• Suffice it to say, we may be the only Jesus the people in our world will ever see.  This is what I am reminded of each day I drive my school bus, picking up students and taking them to and from school safely.  The drivers that I work with also need to see Jesus in me.  This is what we are to be doing in these last days; letting our light shine for them to see.

Jesus also said, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” – Luke 9:62

• How many times have I looked back and pondered another path in life.  The Lord constantly reminds me that He has me where I am supposed to be.  He has you where you’re supposed to be also.  If by chance, you are somewhere where He rather you not be, He will tell you and move you accordingly.  We all need to keep our eyes forward, look up and out, and never looking back.

Jesus remind us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”      – Acts 20:35b

• When we’re more concerned about what we’re giving, we will be less concerned about what were not getting.  This works in any universe.  We need to concentrate more on our giving prowess and less on what we are not getting.  We can control our giving output, but we can’t our getting; which is why when we get something, it’s a blessing from the Lord; just as our giving to others is also a blessing.

Paul reminds us, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. ⁴ Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”   – Philippians 2:3,4

• Looking out for others works one a variety of levels; beginning with our own families.  Often times when we’re operating from a deficit, it becomes more difficult to ‘look out for the interests of others.’  However, our lack can be a catalyst for being exceptionally intentional in our making sure that others come first; especially if we play the role of dad, grandpa, or husband (ladies, mom, grandma, and wife).

Paul also said, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.”         – Romans 8:18,19

• Whatever level of ‘suffering’ you may be enduring, it doesn’t compare to what is waiting for us in heaven.  Once the trumpet blows, we will forever be with the Lord and forever away from this world of sin and degradation.  We’re all yearning for the Rapture, but while we’re still here, we need to ‘suffer on.’  Be sure that you suffer well and take appropriate breaks when needed. 

Remember, this spiritual race we’re all running in is a marathon, not a sprint.  It comes down to this, we need to be more concerned about what we’re giving to others than we’re getting from others (or not getting from them).  This works in marriage, business, church, school, relationships, and even in traffic.  All of life’s general transactions will benefit from a mindset that is bent on us being more concerned about what we give in life than what we get from life, or don’t get.  Afterall, this life is as temporary as our last meal.

Learning to love unconditionally is the key and loving like Jesus is loving unconditionally.  This close to the Rapture, we need to master this discipline of giving and be better stewards of both those people and things that God has entrusted to our care,  Properly managing our blessings will platform greater things that God has in store for us; both on this side of the veil and in heaven at the Bema Seat. 

Until then.

Maranatha!

Encouragemen is a blog written by Pastor Rob Lee, recently relocated to Northern Missouri.  He lives with his wife of 35-years, near their three adult children, their spouses, and children (their grandchildren).  Pastor Rob is an Ordained Assemblies of God minister, a former Lead Pastor (25 years), police chaplain, and community advocate.  He continues to serve, consult, and disciple men of God, including those who are in the ministry.