Abounding!

Abounding!

There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; And there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. Proverbs 11:24 KJV

The Dilemma:

Physical rules can be quite limiting. They have to follow a particular pattern or process. The rules that govern the physical space can be quite difficult to overturn, because they have been established over years, maybe centuries, of observation, practice and consistency. Spiritual rules also follow the same pattern. They come from set principles that line up with God's Word and can also not be overturned. You then have to wonder which one takes precedence, and the only way to know is by the power of personal experience. 

The Details:

He that scattereth - This is not wastage, but the ability to share all that comes to hand. He knows that he is but a steward of all that he owns or holds, and that God is actually the owner of all things, and God gives them to whoever He pleases and in the quantity and time He pleases. Consequently, this man has no problem with letting go of all that is in his hands, as he also knows that the God who provided the initial one is able to provide even more. I let go, so I can get more. 

He also does not do the sharing or scattering selectively, seeking out only those who can pay him back in like measure, but the scattering is done to all men, no matter who they are or what they may have done to him. 

Revenge or payback does not even feature at all in this man's heart, which is fixed on God, the Creator and owner of all things. The question then is: "What is that thing in my hand?" It is that thing that is the foundation of the miracle that I seek. Sometimes, it is my giving up that which is in my hand that will cause me to take hold of even bigger and better things, but I first have to scatter.

He that withholds more than is meet - This is where prudence meets grace, and living sacrificially meets living with eternity with view.  Where is the mark that says 'enough?' How do you know when you have done all that is reasonably expected of you? It is very good to make plans and to lay up something for the future, but when does that happen at the expense of lives that need help? The Bible encourages men to save for the future, stating very clearly that a good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children. 

As I make plans for the future, I must remember that lives must be impacted down here. As I look forward to eternal reward, I must also be concerned about earthly impact. By biblical standards, that which God backs up leads to increase. It is not my schemes and savings that lead to wealth and increase, but simple obedience to God's commands. He says give, as I become a blessing to someone else, God will also raise other people who will be blessings to me too. That is how God rules. Would you trust and obey him? God's time of favour is here.