Giving - 7 January 2009

When times get hard….look for more ways to give

In these days of economic uncertainty the way of the world is to close lines of credit, and stop lending altogether.  Even after the banks were bailed out with funds from the public purse, they still remained reluctant to lend, even to each other, for fear of not seeing their money again.  This gumming up of financial arteries was felt right across the economy, affecting everyone from the businessman needing a flexible overdraft to “joe public” needing a mortgage or a loan.  The commercial world was almost paralysed because cash was not flowing freely.

In God’s economy it is vital to keep giving especially when times are tough.  It is tempting to avert our eyes from need and switch to survival mode, mindful only of our close circle.  Giving is like the blood which flows through our veins: it flows and returns, flows and returns, as long as we’re alive, delivering nutrients to every part.

Imagine if the heart decided to stop pumping blood because it was afraid of not getting it back…..

Let’s remember that our giving is not limited to finance, though that’s vital.

We need to be lavish and wise in giving our time and skills.

We need to generous and outward looking in our hospitality.

I’m sure God wants to challenge us in these vital areas.

Let’s be open to his prompting.

Further study:

2 Kings 4:8-10

Luke21:2