Grateful & Generous Day 1

Our boys have money that they earn from doing their own work, however, they also have money that we give them for school trips or lunches. It is amazing the difference in my children’s spending, depending on whose money they have in their hand. If Jonathan and I are buying, my children are happy to swipe the card. You have a drink, you have a pizza, and you have a candy bar! If it comes down to their money, they will starve because they didn’t want to spend their money. What changed? Whose it was. 

When we recognize that all that we have is God’s, it becomes easier to be freer in the giving of it away. When we know that our money is only in our bank because God gave you the talent, and education to get the check, it becomes easier to give your tithe. When you know you have the talent you have, because God gave it to you, it becomes easier to use the talent for God. When time is short, but we know that God gave us this day, it becomes easier to serve at the church, or host a life group in our home. The amount we had did not change, but the perspective of whose it was, changes everything. 

In 1 Chronicles 29:14 it says:

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”

Most days we don’t give God that immediate obedience, we don’t even give him a delayed obedience, we like to give God our ”No.” Here is the truth though, When God wants a yes from us, whether that is our money, time, energy, or talent, and we give him a “No”, we should expect pushback. You can just ask Jonah...
In James 4:6 it says

6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”[a]      
James 4:6

Our “No” to God, is really just us saying, “I know better”, and I can’t trust you with what is important to me. However, when you are grateful, truly and whole heartedly grateful, you are naturally generous. When we know that everything that I have is only mine, because God gave it to me, it is easier to be generous with it.

God, help us remember that it all comes from you. Help us to be generous with our time, talent, and money, because it is really all yours.