WHAT MAKES YOU RELEVANT IN LIFE (PART 1 OF 2)

28th OCTOBER 2022

^“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” – Philippians 2:3-5

These days, it is common to hear people say, “We’d love to help, but we’re strapped.” That is not a good statement coming from a Christian. It is not only when the means are available that we ought to show generosity. God cares more about the one Dime or one penny you give out right now than the $100 you intend to give out in the future. When we can look at our time and resources through the eyes of opportunity instead of through a veil of limitation, there’s no end to what God can do through us. Giving is an act of faith in obedience to God’s command to give to others (2 Kings 4:8–10; Matthew 27:57– 60; 1 Kings 17:7–16)

Anyone who is not doing anything tangible for another or even for himself does not appear relevant in life. In this journey of life, all men are tenants on earth, and the rent that we pay to God is our selfless service to others in such a way that only God is pleased. God will be pleased with us only when we allow love to flow through our hearts when we render service to others. This is what we refer to as selfless service with love. Selfless service with love goes with sacrifice, i.e. a willingness to help others overcome their weaknesses even if it means putting our own lives on the line or standing to lose something dear to us. For instance, Joseph offered up his tomb, laid Jesus’s body in it, rolled a stone in front of it, and went away. He did not hang out waiting to be compensated or to be recognized for his altruism. He was moved, and he gave. While God promises us a return for our generosity, true generosity is apparent when it expects nothing in return – Matthew 27:57– 60

The word of God tells us this morning to look beyond our gains when we decide to give. After all, Jesus gave up His life willingly so that we might live. Today, the reason for being a Christian is because of Jesus Christ. But whether we like it or not, when we give, God blesses us in return. However, about 95% of Christians don’t give; they want to receive from others! Unfortunately, they usually don’t receive from God at all. At times, they receive meagerly after a long while. When we don’t give from the heart at the appropriate time, we hinder our financial growth or slow down the willingness or faithfulness of God to prosper us. That is why I say that giving is an act of faith and obedience! As we give generously, we will see God’s faithfulness in meeting our needs; God will begin to help us supply our own needs!

It is true that we, in most cases, experience financial problems, thereby making us not able to give. However, we can begin to cure that deficiency when introducing an element of budgeting or financial management as an integral part of generosity. Budgeting enables you to give confidently instead of simply wondering if you’re going to be able to contribute. Stewardship in the form of wise investing is helpful too. When we invest our resources wisely, we find that we’re able to give more to others. So, today, please open a new chapter by giving to others. A little next to nothing from your resources and time to others may become the push you require to become a great success in life! 

PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I declare I am imbued with power and Grace to render extraordinary service to humanity, all to the glory of God. AMEN. 

FURTHER READING:  Ruth 4:1-12; 2 Sam. 24:24