Acts 20:35 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
If you ask a child what is the most exciting part of Christmastime, they will likely answer - 'getting presents'. That perspective agrees with our own memories of Christmas.
As we grow older, however, we come to see that there is more fulfillment found in the deeper meaning of life.
The deeper level of fulfillment in life is not found in what we get but what we give. Children, of course, cannot understand this - how could anything be better than getting good gifts?
But, as every parent and grandparent knows, there is no gift we could ever receive that exceeds the joy of watching the bubbling enthusiasm of your own children (or grandchildren) wildly tear open a box and squeal with glee as they delight in its contents. Then come the kisses and hugs from grateful recipients. That's a recipe for pleasant memories!
Why should it be any different with the wealth with which God has blessed us? If we or our donors miss the deeper joy of giving then we are stuck trying to derive satisfaction from material wealth that we try to hold on to.
As encouragers of Kingdom giving, let us remind our donor-friends of this generosity-induced blessing. And, let us share in this wonderful joy.
The giving of good gifts, however large or small, reminds us of the greatest gift ever given: the gift of eternal life from the Father through the Son.
No comments:
Post a Comment