THE KEY TO LIFE

Author:
September 05, 2013

Those of us who live in America are living in greater abundance than practically everyone else on the planet. Even when we face difficult financial times we’re still doing far better than most. Our “normal” is beyond what most people will ever experience or even dream to have in their lifetime.

So with all this abundance, why are we so stressed about money and material things? Why do we compare what we have to what others have, and often allow jealousy to run our lives? And why do we think so much about money, leading most of us regularly to a place of anxiety and worry? I believe the most common answer to all these questions is the same: We’re looking inward instead of outward.

If we’ll make it a habit to seek to help others and improve their lives with what we have, much of our anxiety and stress will be gone. Simply put, giving is a key element to living the fulfilled life God intended us to live. Logical thinking would conclude that when we give something away, we have less. God’s kingdom thinking knows that when we give something away with the motive of helping someone else, we have more. Proverbs 22:4 tells us, “Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.” As Christians, the Bible is our truth, and we’re told over and over in the scriptures that what we have is a direct reflection of what we give. Jesus came not to be served but to serve (see Mark 10:45). He came not to get but to give. Let’s follow the example of the One who gave it all for us. Let’s generously give to those in need…and then watch what God will do!

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