Proverbs 21-25
What does the Lord want from you and me? Does He want sacrifice? Does He want us just to give up everything?
There is a lot in the Bible about our Father’s expectations. Several times He makes reference to the fact that He doesn’t want our sacrifice. He wants our hearts.
Over the years I have known a number of people who were very sacrificial in their giving of money. Sometimes their hearts were right; sometimes they were not.
I have seen those who have given a lot to the church or to other causes, with expectations of many thanks for it. They did it for show – and to lift themselves up. Then I have seen others who have given significant amounts and have thought that somehow they have purchased special honor from God. They have not allowed Him to deal with their hearts – and as a result, they have been ornery and judgmental. But they gave.
“The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer Him sacrifices.”(21:2)
When we allow our Father to correct us and strengthen us, we will give to Him – out of a pure heart. Then we will also be kind and just toward others. We will not lift ourselves up, but we will lift Him up.
That’s the sacrifice our Father wants. He wants our hearts – filled with praise toward Him.
In fact, the proverb goes on to say, “The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives.” (21:27)
Enough said about that!
Will I give? Of course I will. But not in place of my relationship with Him – and not trying to buy His blessings.
I give because I love Him.
II Corinthians 8-9
While we are on the subject of money and giving, the Lord has a lot to say about it here.
We don’t give just to receive blessings. However, when we give with the right motives, we can know that our God will bless us abundantly.
“Our God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” (9:8)
Keywords: always, sufficiency, abundance.
Think about what this is saying. When we are walking with our Lord in truth, allowing Him to lead us and guide us, and when we are giving as He leads, we can expect supernatural provision.
I personally have seen this happen. There have been times when there would be a need that seemed impossible at the time. Yet every time our Father has come through for me.
Four children through college, weddings, traveling needs, needs of the church. You name it. There has always been a way provided so that “all-sufficiency” was there.
I don’t desire to live a materialistic life, yet I do enjoy nice things. And my God has more than supplied – and He is continuing to do so.
Now let’s go on. “He provides seed to the sower… He will supply and multiply your seed.” (9:10)
This is the Word of God. He will supply your seed and multiply it if you are a sower into His kingdom.
I don’t know about you, but I love to sow – and I want to be a sower all the days of my life. There’s no greater joy than giving when He prompts me to. (And sometimes when He doesn’t).
When you “live to give,” as the saying goes, you will find your own needs being met in unusual ways – but they will be met.
It’s a fun life!