Midweek Message from the Archive
Means of Grace- Giving
As I’ve been discussing the ways that God blesses His Church or the means of grace, I’m hoping you can see that it’s clearly a heart attitude and that leads us into the blessing of giving. Viewing the privilege of giving as a way that God blesses us frees us to be a more extravagant giver, a more frequent giver, and enjoy the release of blessings to others. Here’s the kicker; we receive the greater blessing. God has re-created our hearts after salvation in such a way that the giving of ourselves to others, in any way, brings us pleasure. It’s a wonderful experience to see someone enjoy your time, your attention, your finances, your thoughtfulness, or your efforts in any way to show them God’s love. When you hear His voice directing you to be a giver, don’t hold back, be extravagant!
Your obedience is actually an act of worship, especially if your immediate response is an excuse why you can’t give. Worship is serving God and He was the first ‘giver’ when He set into action the giving of His Son before the world even began. When we serve Him by giving to others we are truly worshiping.
I recently had an opportunity to be an extravagant giver and I’m sorry to say that I balked; I didn’t immediately obey. I had all the excuses why I shouldn’t give but I also knew God was directing me. It proved to be true again; I received the greater blessing. There are many reasons why you shouldn’t give but there is only one valid reason to be a giver: the love of God. When you bless someone in any way you are the hands and feet of Christ. Remember the metaphor of the body that I use so often in these messages? A head without a body cannot operate; Christ is the head and we are His way, His means to bless His Church.
God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself. (Ephesians 1:22, 23 NLT)
Consider who you can bless today: a family member, a church member, a neighbor, or co-worker and be His vessel that brings His love to others. Leave the excuses behind and step into this means of grace.
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