Well, here we go. Today, ready or not, is November 1st…which in my mind, is the beginning of the insanity of the holidays. Thanksgiving will be first and then of course Christmas. There is food to prepare, family gatherings to attend, gifts to buy and wrap, Christmas cards to sign, school programs to attend, church services to attend (that is, if we have time) and the list goes on and on. I get tired just thinking about it. Oftentimes by the end of December we are all just exhausted and frazzled.
Of course, this year may be even worse. Due to shortages, the media is bombarding us with the need to shop early…hoard early…to make sure all the youngin’s get their heart’s desire for Christmas. My, oh my, what a catastrophe it would be if they, and us, had just a little less under the tree this year.
The tragedy is that it is so easy to get caught up with our activities that we miss out on the true meaning of this time. Yes, we might find the time to attend church for Thanksgiving and Christmas Sunday, and if we are really feeling religious, we might even attend a Christmas Eve service, but other than that, life pretty much revolves around our family and our agenda.
This made me think that maybe we should take some time and remind ourselves what these next 8 weeks should be all about. What should occupy our thoughts, our time, our money, and our talent? Here is the Readers Digest version of what’s been rambling around in my head:
I believe that Scripture tells us that these weeks (and all weeks) should be filled with three kinds of giving:
1. Thanksgiving: In Hebrews 12:28 (The Message), we read about the fact that we, as Christians, have been given an unshakable kingdom. “Do you see what we’ve got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God.” When was the last time you brimmed with worship because you were so thankful for what you have been given? When was the last time you even thought about all that God has done for you in sending His Son to die for you, in giving you His unshakable kingdom? And, allowing you to be His child?
2. Tangible-giving: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (The Message) tells us plainly what this means. This is such a powerful section of Scripture. Paul tells the believers in Corinth, “Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.
God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, ‘He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out.’
This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.
Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone. Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they’ll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need. Thank God for this gift, His gift. No language can praise it enough!”
Did you catch what this kind of giving produces? This kind of giving produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. You won’t have to wonder what to be thankful for if you are giving to others. You see, you can’t outgive God, so the more you give the more you will be blessed. And the more you are blessed, the more you will have to give and thanksgiving will begin to ooze out of you!
3. Self-giving: Before we can genuinely give thanksgiving, before we can truly give to others, we must first give ourselves to God. He must have us completely. Romans 12:1 & 2 are probably the most well-known verses that talk about self-giving. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” God wants us to offer ourselves, as living sacrifices – daily laying aside our own desires to follow Him, putting all our energy and resources at His disposal and trusting Him to guide us.
How about it? During these final 2 months of 2021, will you be so caught up in the whirlwind, that you miss the real reason for the season? Will you allow those around you to drag you down and determine how you spend your time, talent & treasures, or will you be the one to make a positive difference in the lives of others?
My challenge to you for the next 8 weeks:
1. If you haven’t already done so, accept Christ as your Lord and Savior. Then let someone know so they can come alongside you and support you as you grow in Him!
2. Commit to giving at least 10% of your income to the Lord. Remember, you can’t outgive God.
3. Pray that the Lord would reveal how you can begin tangibly giving. He’s just waiting for you to ask.
4. Intentionally pour thanksgiving on God! Don’t forget...He IS the reason for the season and deserves your abundant praise!
By the way…if you haven’t already done so…please check out my latest videos on my YouTube channel, Image Seeker. We are studying the Fruit of the Spirit and so far we have studied love, joy & peace. You can check it out at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0szlDSgNBtFuzzNLBWzwMA
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