24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
25 A generous man will prosper;
he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV84)
It’s easy to give out of one’s wealth, that is, when you have a lot to give, you give things away. It’s even easy to give away things either you no longer need or just don’t want any longer. I don’t believe it takes much character to give in those cases. Where the test of true character happens is when you give all that you have left, or you give away something you cherish. When Scripture talks of the person who gives freely, yet gains even more, I want you to think about what that actually means. When you come to a place where you realize all of the things you possess are just things to be used to navigate life and nothing more, it frees you from being so closely bound to Earth. Things no longer define who you are, but rather they become things you use to demonstrate the freedom Christ has given you.
What I mean is, what you gain in the process of giving freely is spiritual freedom. You gain Wisdom in knowing and fully trusting that the LORD will take care of you in ALL things. You will no longer feel tied to anything on Earth and instead of the world placing reins on you and pulling you this way and that way like reins on a horse, Jesus puts the yoke upon Himself and pulls the load for you. This is the gain you receive, Jesus taking care of you.
Be generous with your things and with words of encouragement. Build others up generously and offer kind words. Refresh others, spread the hope the around, and smile at all who come in contact with you.
You have living within you the Greatest Treasure that has ever been discovered… share that Treasure so that it may multiply not only in your own life, but into the lives of others.
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV84)
Selfless Surrender 