What God Has Given You

“Remember this – a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who give cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

God wants what is in our hearts.

But more than that He wants our hearts.

He says that if we plant sparingly, we will reap sparingly, and if we plant generously, we will reap generously. We should view all that we have – treasure, gifts, abilities, and family- as being things that are God’s and on loan to us, His steward, to use for His glory. There is a tendency to “plant” without honoring or glorifying God. We think of it as an obligation, a drudgery, and feel pressured to do it, and secretly we don’t trust God for any results from our hard work. On the other hand, when we plant cheerfully, God sees our sincere hearts that believe His plans are good for all our tomorrows and that honor Him when those plans are fulfilled day by day.

Therefore, we should be willing to give back to God all that he has given us., because everything we have has simply been entrusted to us. It is His to begin with. And that creates the tension; we say that’s true and seem to know it, but we don’t really embrace that truth enough to act upon it. I empathize with pastors and church leaders who must talk about finances and the financial support of God’s church. But we all need to remember that money or any other gift are necessary to expand the Kingdom of God, to reap that generous crop. Its a privilege that should encourage us and give us a sense of boldness because, in the end, it is all about God.

If we are about the work of God, God will provide the resources for that work. If we are proclaiming the Word of God with our thoughts, words, and actions, God has the resources to help us do that. When we connect God’s mission to change the world with the heart of a cheerful giver who trusts God and understands everything is His, we have the potential for an exponential advancement of his Kingdom.

Credit to Tony Dungy – An Uncommon Life