Giving and Getting!

Giving and Getting!

In everything I’ve done, I have demonstrated to you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them. You’ll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, ‘You’re far happier giving than getting.’” Acts 20:35 MSG

The world places value and measures value on the basis of what you own and hold. The people referred to as rich today are called so because of their net worth. The world does not seem to reckon with those who lack or those who do not  enough. Success has been reduced to definable terms such as monetary value, with the man who has enough feeling he is better than the one who does not have, and the one who does not have feeling inadequate.

Paul here challenges this thinking, asking that we imitate his life on some issues. Here was a very busy man, committed to preaching and teaching wherever he went. He could have demanded care and attention from those he was going to meet, but he decided to be a blessing to others, not a burden. He got his hands to work, earning a living to sustain himself and the ministry. There is something very fundamental though: the purpose of God's blessings over your life is not for you to sit down and enjoy alone, but to be a blessing to others through God's provenance.

When God gives, he always has a purpose. His nature is giving, and his plans are eternal, so when you key into his nature and live like him, then you are guaranteed a life of blessings and eternal rest. Am I focused on what I do not have, seeking to have more, or have I come to understand that everything I have is from God? The weak are precious to God and he will not condone oppression of any kind. You had better be sure that you do not oppress the weak. You are much happier putting a smile on someone's face than a tear of regret.

Jesus himself has laid down the perfect example for us. He gave all he had, even when we were the most undeserving of people. He has done his bit, what am I doing now?