BE A GIVER

August 15, 2014

I read that to catch monkeys years ago, hunters would make a large barrel and fill it with bananas and other treats appealing to monkeys. Then they would cut a hole in the side, large enough that the monkey could barely get his hand and arm through it. The monkey would reach into the barrel and grab one of those treats, but when he clenched his fist, it would be too big to take his hand out of the hole. That monkey would not let go of that which is in his hand until the hunter comes and catches it.

Unfortunately, I have discovered that monkeys are not alone when it comes to being tight fisted, many humans are also like that including people of the household of faith. We find it very hard to give offering, tithe and most times to the needy. However, until you learn to give out, nothing new ever comes in. Giving is a universal divine principle that is operational no matter who you are and no matter where you are.

Have you ever wondered how it works such that when you give out a neck tie, you get neck ties as gifts?  Jesus Himself said in Luke 6:38a that, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.” In order words, whatever you give comes back to you. The widow gave the prophet food and she never experienced hunger during famine.

In Gen 12:2, God told Abram, “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.” In order words, the essence of being blessed by God is to become a source of blessing unto others. Someone needs what you have to give; money; time; prayers; hug; attention; resources; ideas, etc, give it out. Stop thinking about, “what can I get?” Start thinking about, “what can I give?”

Remain blessed!

Follow on twitter @Iamhenrylong