Give Up

 

I was in church this morning.  As I looked around at the pews and the people filing into them, I realized that our congregation is growing.  Yes, I was there as new families were becoming members.  Yes, I was there when little ones were getting baptized.  Yet, for some reason, this morning I noticed those new faces sitting in the pews.  I heard little ones chatting in the back of the church and it brought a smile to my face.  I saw a multitude of children head up to the altar for the children’s sermon and scurry back to their seats.  I saw adult heads bob up and down in affirmation as Pastor shared his message. 

It made me think of my family.  Many of our family members are in different states, making it hard to all be together.  We cherish the times we are together, realizing that we cannot just ‘drop over’ on a normal day.  A little secret between us, I often dreamed of buying a very large piece of property and having all my family live a ‘stones throw away’ from each other.  I dream of us all being together. 

When I read today’s verse, it made me reflect on a variety of scenarios.  I think about simpler days when people would gather together, share their belongings with others, and live life as Jesus asked us to.  I wonder what would happen if we lived our lives like that today.  People would gather their talents, gather their treasures, and gather together praising God for all the blessings we have.

Nothing stops us from living out the life that God asks of us.  We all have something we can give to others.  Maybe it is your time – time to sit with a friend in need, time to dedicate to the needs of the church, or time focusing on your family.  Maybe it is your talent – cooking for those that may need a meal, being a lector or greeter at church, or teaching Sunday School.  Maybe it is your treasures – purchasing groceries for the local soup kitchen, providing a bit more in the offering plate for something the church needs, or helping out one who is having financial troubles. 

What I have noticed over the years is that when I do give of time, talent or treasures, the Lord gives back to me tenfold.  If I debate in my head whether I can afford to give a little extra and decide to go forward with giving, the Lord finds a way to give back to me more.  It is in those moments that I realize that the greatest gift of giving is knowing that Jesus is always there for me and will ensure that I will always have enough of what I need.

Friends, find a way to give of your time, your talents and your treasures.  Your blessings will be tenfold, your heart will grow with love, and your soul will be filled with the Holy Spirit.  Living out Jesus’ love is what we can do – let us do so joyfully and abundantly.  Have simple faith that God is there to give to you!

Dearest Jesus, please guide me to give of my time, talent, and treasures.  Help me to see when, where and to whom I can give.  Lead my heart and my head to show others your love.  In your giving name I pray, Amen!