Love to hear from and know who is listening
I am sure you have all seen someone holding up a sign asking for help. Recently I saw a couple in the Walmart parking lot, a lady was standing in front of an RV holding up a sign that said “Need money for gas.” At the same time a man was pouring gas from a 5 gallon can into the RV at the back. Of course the first thought that came through my head was, “You would think they would have planned a bit better before taking out on a long road trip in that gas guzzling RV.” The only thoughts in my natural mind were selfish and unloving! I have another similar story about my selfish heart that is even better! One evening my wife and I were going to the Mexican resturaunt to enjoy a meal together. In the parking lot next to the resturaunt was a couple that appeared to be in their late 20's maybe early 30's. With them they had a little girl and boy that were preschool age. They were sitting next to what I assummed was their car holding a sign that said they were homeless and needed help. The sign also said anything will help God bless you! I immediately heard that still small voice in my head that I recognized as the Holy Spirit speaking to me. God said through the Holy Spirit, I have blessed you Jeff, you need to bless them. So I parked my car and I walked over to them and handed them a $20 bill. I told the young mother I know it is not a lot but I hope it helps. She thanked me and I walked away feeling on top of the world! A few minutes later as my wife and I were enjoying our meal I saw this same family who were just outside begging for money come into the restaurant and sit down for a meal. I was immediately infuriated! I thought to myself, what a waste. They are spending my hard earned money at the restaurant when they should have gone to Wal-Mart and purchased groceries or other necessities for those little kids. I couldn't believe my eyes, what stupidity! Then the Holy Spirit spoke to me again and said, “I only asked you to give to them, not to judge them!”
2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 NIV Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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.
Later as I considered my thoughts and feelings, I realized my motivation for giving, although initially good, I wanted to give, was more about me and making myself feel good than it was about glorifying God. It became about me getting the glory and not God. Because my heart was not in the right place I was upset with, even angry with the way my gift had been spent! Attitude matters when giving. We all know that giving is not supposed to be about us, yet we often make it about us.
Selfishness is the first attitude we encounter when we consider giving. We are born demanding and wanting our way. New born babies cry at the top of their lungs until they get what they want. Selfishness isn't something we need to be taught, we are born selfish, it's part of our sinful nature. Opportunities to give are designed by God for us to grow and mature in our faith. It's not abnormal to get it wrong sometimes. We're a work in progress. Don't become discouraged! Talk to God about the attitudes and thoughts of your heart. Repent; that literally means to change your mind and your direction. Stay consistent in your giving and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you is the best way to grow in your generosity and maintain a pure heart, to give from your heart!
Luke 6:38 NIV Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to yo
