Midweek Message from the Archive
Means of Grace- Giving
As I’ve been discussing the ways God blesses His Church or the means of grace, I’m hoping you see that it’s clearly a heart attitude. Your heart or your inner man leads you, by the Holy Spirit, into the blessing of giving. When you view the privilege of giving as a way that God blesses you it frees you to be a more extravagant giver, a more frequent giver, and you’ll grow in enjoyment of the release of blessings to others. Here’s the kicker; you 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 watch 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 foundation of the world, therefore, When we serve Him by giving to others we are truly worshiping Him. Great connection, right?
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. This means of grace 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.
The Philippian Church understood this means of grace, read the commendation that Paul wrote:
And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:15, 17, 19 ESV
Consider who you can bless today: a family member, a church member, a neighbor, or co-worker and be God’s vessel that brings His love to others. Leave the excuses behind and step into this means of grace.
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