Day 38: Joyful Giving
Growing up, there are three types of kids: those who receive a bountiful set allowance, those who work for said allowance, and those who get no allowance. I was one of the fortunate individuals caught in the middle, who through hard work (most of the time) and perseverance received an earned allowance. My allowance always came with stipulations – hours of my time and a 200-page contract with fine print. It felt “totally unfair.” (A side note: I have now changed my opinion on this and my future kids will receive the same contract.) I would be asked by my parents to help complete household chores including, but not limited, to vacuuming, sweeping, dishes, washing the cars, walking the dog, helping with laundry, and the worst of them all, weeding the garden! The worst part was I was expected to complete all of these weekly chores joyfully and with a “good” attitude. My frustrations with chores have changed and I’ve come to realize the incredible blessing I received growing up, having opportunity to even get an allowance. I literally would not be here if it weren’t for my parents and they didn’t owe me anything, yet chose to provide opportunities to bless me. Our relationship with Jesus is much the same. We don’t deserve the blessings we receive from God and yet He continually provides opportunities for us to be blessed. God cares about us so much that not only does He forgive our sins, love us unconditionally, give us daily grace and mercy, but He also provides an avenue for additional blessings. Having attended Eastridge under the leadership of Pastor Steve and Cheryl for the past 10 years I have been fortunate to learn the importance of tithes and offerings. However, through their example I have learned so much more than how much I am called to give, but also the way in which I give it. Giving is a matter of the heart! Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” We are called to give of our time, talents and treasure with a joyful and grateful heart. 2 Corinthians 9:7 puts it this way, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Growing up I would often complete chores with a bad attitude or I wouldn’t give it my best effort. I somehow felt entitled to an allowance and didn’t understand that I already had the greatest treasure a kid could ever ask for: a loving family, a roof over my head and food on the table. In the same way, we have already received the greatest treasure this world offers: a relationship with Jesus. So let us joyfully give unto the Lord. Whether we are serving in the community with our Life Group, volunteering in the nursery, helping backstage with worship and arts, or presenting our tithes and offerings to the Lord. He wants to bless us but He is looking at your heart.