Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:10-11)
“You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.” Those words struck me this morning. It reminded me of the simple truth that God blesses me so that I can bless others. God’s gifts are meant to be shared.
I think of my own boys. One of the things that I am desperately trying to teach them is that everything they have is meant to be shared. We can’t afford to buy them each separate toys, games, and video systems. Even if we could, it wouldn’t be wise. They would spend all their time in isolation playing with their “own” toys. No, it is better and more enjoyable if they learn to play together, learn to enjoy things together, learn the simple art of sharing. But, oh, what a hard lesson to learn. Something inside of us screams out “mine!” “I have my hands on it right now so you can’t have it!” From the earliest age we learn to hoard our stuff, to protect it, to shield it from others lest they get their dirty paws on it.
That same spirit still resides in me. I don’t yell “mine” over video games and plastic toys. My “toys” are bigger now. I yell “mine” over my possessions, my house, my finances, my ministry territory, my friends, my privileges, my rights, my time in the spotlight.
But I must remember that these things are given to be shared. They are given to be enjoyed with others, to bless others. And when I learn to give and to share, others are motivated to praise God. ”Your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” And I experience greater joy. “The generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).
Lord, teach me to be generous with the blessings that you have generously bestowed upon me. May I give as you have given to me.