Givers and Takers

This morning I received an email notifying me of a deposit, my bi-weekly compensation from the church. Who doesn’t like deposits in their account? I also received an email notifying me that my October mortgage payment is due on the 5th. So, I’ll enjoy having those funds in my account for a few days before transferring them to Megabank Corporation! Those transactions made me think about the larger scheme of life, asking myself about how I interact with other people.
Am I a giver or a taker?
Do I make deposits of resources into their lives or take from them?
Do I leave people around me richer or poorer?

Givers bring encouraging words, help and cooperation, prayer, and even resources. We look forward to interactions with them, don’t we? Takers drain us. They whine, criticize, or shuffle their responsibilities onto our shoulders.

There are differing seasons in our lives when the balance tends to shift. In times of stress, illness, or temptation our net effect is often that of taking. We need to be able to draw from others, taking strength. But, when we are healthy – emotionally, physically, and spiritually – are we ready to defy the human tendency to hoard; ready to give from the resources that God invests in us?

The book of Acts introduces us to a man who was so generous, that the nickname given to him by church leaders became the name by which he was widely known. The first time we learn about him we read: "There was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles." (Acts 4:36-37, NLT) Barnabas wasn’t known for his eloquence, his authority, or his deep spiritual insights. He was known for being an encourager! He was a man who was loyal to friends, and generous in every way. When the early church was skeptical about Paul’s new-found faith, Barney stood by him and vouched for the genuineness of his transformation. His great heart clearly made a positive difference wherever he went. One passage tells us that "When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord." (Acts 11:23-25, NLT)

Jude, in his short letter, contrasts takers and givers, calling on us to share ourselves generously. Of those who are a negative draw, he has these strong words of warning: “They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots. …These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want." (Jude 12, 16, NLT)

And, then he urges us to an entirely different kind of life: "But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering." (Jude 20-22, NLT)

So, friend, which will you be today – a giver or a taker?

Here’s a word from the Word.
"God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God." (2 Corinthians 9:8-11, NLT)

Lord, impress it on us and as we receive your gifts, let us give ourselves away. Amen.