38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
In one of my personal favorite promises of Scripture, Jesus’ statement at first blush appears almost oxymoronic. Give to be given to – sounds like the action required must be accompanied with plenty of faith and trust in the Giver of it! Before we begin thinking of giving up our apartment so that we will receive a condo at the beach, let’s begin to think even bigger – let’s try an eternal perspective! We need to investigate the heart and nature of the statement which points back, of course, to the life of Jesus. Paul tells us in Philippians:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! Phil 2:3-8 (NIV) Christ’s attitude was one of servant hood – exactly what He asks of us. A pouring out of His life like a drink offering – again, exactly what He asks of us. If giving only speaks to us about money – then, quite frankly, we are missing the point. While giving of our finances is to be commended, that is just the beginning. We are to give of our time (more precious than money); our talents (God given gifts that we are held accountable for); often our dreams for His (costly to a life is the death of a dream); and our very beings (as believers, we are not our own we are bought with a high price). What God is after is us – all of us! Does this not sound appealing? Oftentimes we flinch at the sound of this type of giving YET, this is the very essence of contentment. Remember, Paul tells us contentment is a learned secret! 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:11-13 (NIV)
I dare say that even among Christian circles, if you were asked, you could name more than a handful of those that you would deem content. There is always something else required before contentment takes place. Yet Paul (flesh and bones like us) says that it is a learned secret that he has attained to. If it were possible for Paul it is possible for us too! I am in, are you? What made him content? Could it possibly be proper focus? Hebrews twelve tells us: 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3 (NIV) This is where faith takes place. Do we trust Him with what we give Him - living our lives with open hands? Do we think that He is going to hold out on us? Eve did and she fell. Scripture tells us that He will not. Scripture tells us to trust Him. Remember, He came for our “cups to overflow”. I am not preaching a “name it and claim it” philosophy– that is NOT what Scripture teaches. What it does tell us is that we simply cannot out give God. Whatever measly sacrifice we may make, He so abundantly blesses that we are left wondering why we held on to them for so long. The blessings may not come in the way the world values success – but what does that matter when it is accompanied by abundant peace, contentment and joy? I Samuel tells us: The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Sam 16:7 (NIV) If we make it our aim to please Him, the promise of Scripture states that we will not be disappointed. I am ready for Him to overflow my cup - any other takers? Freely you have received, freely give. Matt 10:8 (NIV)