Giving cheerfully and accepting gratefully
Published 6:57 am Friday, April 27, 2018
Success is a popular subject — an exciting attitude that fuels the imagination and drives our motivation. The fervent desire to succeed seems to be embedded within our DNA and I see nothing wrong with an honest inspiration to accomplish certain goals.
Even the Bible talks about “pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” and refers to winning and being victorious as a spiritual blessing in accordance with God’s perfect will. Yes, success can be satisfying if our motives are pure but the real objective may be to understand what it really means.
It’s not a sin to be proud of our accomplishments, in fact, we pray for our children’s success and encourage them as they pursue their dreams. However, good fortune even though associated with a healthy and normal progressive lifestyle can be interpreted differently according to whether we are pursuing our desires or following God’s instructions.
Maya Angelou said, “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”
Wealth is usually associated with accomplishment, but true success is not always dependent on money. Finances are a vehicle that can do amazing things when God is allowed to be in control, and since he wants to be the ultimate decider of each individual’s direction, we acknowledge him as the one who allows success to manifest. For those who claim to yield their will unto God, this obedience also includes all decisions including our business affairs.
When Christ is allowed to become Lord of our heart we are also inviting him to be our financial adviser. His vision is to use us as a vessel to pour through instead of us building huge bank accounts and hoarding earthly treasures. Our heavenly father manages everything with perfect wisdom and holy truth and His plans are constantly trying to weave the paths of men and women together for the good of all.
Unfortunately, we have a tendency to be selfish and rebellious and are usually so focused on ourselves that we rarely comprehend or care what God is trying to tell us. Some might say they would be generous and help others if they had more resources but this is usually only an excuse for not giving a part of what they already have.
It’s been said that waiting until we are rich to bless others is a smokescreen trying to hide our lack of faith and love. Mother Teresa once said, “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” So, we can conclude that giving has much to do with an attitude of compassion.
Collecting and accumulating can create a false sense of power and security and possibly hinder our spiritual relationship with Christ along with distracting us from our divine destiny.
Winston Churchill is quoted, “We make a living by what we get — we make a life by what we give.” Instead of thinking that life is a game to see who can accumulate the most, may we realize from God’s perspective it’s actually about who can give the most away.
Find out more about Dr. Holland’s book, “A Lifestyle of Worship” and his free scripture CD offer at billyhollandministries.com