Very few have understood or grasped the principle behind giving. It is the simple principle of “...give and it will come back to you, good measure, shaken together and running over...”
We are born inherently selfish. However, as we mature, we learn that others matter too and begin to act accordingly.
The act of giving generously is what separates mature people from immature people. Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel, California, talks of three types of givers:
The Rock: To get anything out of a rock or flint, one needs to hammer it, and even when anything comes out of it, it usually are chips and sparks, not very useful for the Kingdom of God.
For such people to learn the value of giving, they must be taken through a painful process. When you are constantly absent when people need you, a time will come when everyone will be absent when you need people, and that painful lesson may as well change your perspective of giving.
The sponge: This one must be continually be put under pressure. God needs to put pressure on such to bring forth any life from our hearts.
Indeed, they will yield fruit but after being cajoled, coaxed, continually being preached to. They may have good intentions and talk of next time but when the time comes, nothing happens.
The honeycomb: Just like a honeycomb drips with honey, these people just overflow with their own sweetness. The have understood the goodness of grace, and love for other people overflows from their hearts. They understand they did not earn their salvation but that it was a gift from God.
So freely have they received, and freely will they give. No inhibitions. No excuses. No ill-feelings. John Rockefeller was the first person to reach the status of a billionaire. Every decision, attitude, and relationship was tailored to create his personal power and wealth.
At the age of 53 he became ill. Sorrowfully, he could buy anything he wanted, but he could only digest milk and crackers. His physicians predicted he would die within a year.
Then he dreamed that he could not take anything he owned into the next life. The man who controlled the business world suddenly realised he was not in control of his own life.
He called his attorneys, accountants, and managers and announced that he wanted to channel his assets to hospitals, research and mission work.
This led to the discovery of penicillin, cures for current strains of malaria, tuberculosis and diphtheria. The list of discoveries resulting from his choice is enormous.
Perhaps the most amazing part of Rockefeller’s story is that the moment he began to give back a portion of all that he had earned, his body’s chemistry was altered so significantly.
Rockefeller lived to be 98 and died a grateful man. Giving need not only be financial. How about an inspirational book, talk, your time, skills, abilities...You will discover great joy and you will be a great blessing to entire generations.
Rockefeller turned from flint to honeycomb and discovered the joy of giving.
