Jesus Stuff
Living Free in 2023: Embracing the Power of Giving
As we step into a new year, many of us are seeking ways to live more freely, unburdened by the weights that have held us back. What if the key to this freedom lies not in what we can get, but in what we can give?
The concept of living free is more than just a catchy phrase—it's a profound spiritual truth that can transform our lives. True freedom comes when we've been set free from our past, from the world's expectations, and from the bondage of sin. But being set free is just the beginning. The real challenge—and the real joy—comes in learning to live free every single day.
So how do we embrace this freedom? It starts with becoming, not just doing. We're called to become givers, servers, learners, lovers, and soul winners. These aren't just actions we perform; they're identities we embrace. When we truly become these things, they cease to be occasional activities and instead become the very essence of who we are.
Let's focus on the first of these transformative identities: becoming a giver. There's a powerful truth hidden in the words of Jesus: "Freely you have received, now freely give" (Matthew 10:8). This isn't just about money—it's about a lifestyle of generosity that reflects the heart of God.
Consider the story of Wayne Myers, a lifelong missionary to Mexico. Despite living on a missionary's income, he learned the secret of giving and receiving. He would make substantial pledges to support ministry work, trusting God to provide—and He always did. Wayne's life exemplified the principle: "Live to give."
This principle is echoed throughout scripture. In Malachi 3, we find a challenging message: "Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me." The accusation continues, pointing out that the people had cheated God in tithes and offerings. It's a stark reminder that what we give—or don't give—matters to God.
But here's the beautiful part: God follows this rebuke with an invitation. "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse," He says, "and see if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it." It's the only place in scripture where God explicitly tells us to test Him. He's that confident in the principle of generosity.
Why is giving so powerful? Because it frees us from greed. There's a fascinating story about how hunters catch monkeys in some parts of the world. They place a treat inside a container with a small opening. The monkey reaches in and grabs the treat, but then can't pull its hand out without letting go. Surprisingly, many monkeys will remain trapped, unwilling to release their grip on the prize. It's a poignant illustration of how greed can keep us captive.
Generosity, on the other hand, is the antidote to greed. It opens our hands and our hearts, allowing God's blessings to flow freely in our lives. When we give, we're most like God, who "so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16).
This principle isn't just an Old Testament concept. In Philippians 4, Paul commends the church for their generosity, describing their gifts as "a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God." He then reminds them of a promise we often claim: "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). But notice the context—this promise comes on the heels of their generous giving.
Jesus Himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). This blessing goes beyond just financial prosperity. Being generous with our finances often leads to blessings that money can't buy—true happiness, genuine friendships, health, and spiritual riches.
Consider the story of a family who came to faith through a simple postcard invitation to an Easter service. The card arrived late, after Easter had passed, yet God used it to draw them to a church where they found a spiritual home. This testament to the power of giving reminds us that when we invest in reaching others, God can use even our imperfect efforts in miraculous ways.
As we step into this new year, let's challenge ourselves to become givers in every sense of the word. Let's give our time, our talents, our resources, and our love. Let's give not out of obligation, but out of the overflow of what we've received from God.
Imagine what could happen if we truly embraced this lifestyle of generosity. How might it change our families, our communities, our world? What if, instead of asking "What can I get?", we started asking "What can I give?"
This year, let's commit to living free by living generously. Let's open our hands and our hearts, trusting that as we give, God will continue to pour out His blessings in ways we can't even imagine. Let's become channels of God's love and provision, allowing His blessings to flow through us to a world in need.
Remember, you have been set free to live free. Don't let greed, fear, or selfishness hold you captive. Instead, embrace the liberating power of generosity. As you do, you may find that in giving, you receive the greatest gift of all—the joy of living in harmony with God's heart and purpose for your life.
So, are you ready to live free in 2023? Are you ready to become a giver? The choice is yours, and the adventure awaits. Step into the freedom of generosity, and watch how God moves in and through your life in extraordinary ways.
As we step into a new year, many of us are seeking ways to live more freely, unburdened by the weights that have held us back. What if the key to this freedom lies not in what we can get, but in what we can give?
The concept of living free is more than just a catchy phrase—it's a profound spiritual truth that can transform our lives. True freedom comes when we've been set free from our past, from the world's expectations, and from the bondage of sin. But being set free is just the beginning. The real challenge—and the real joy—comes in learning to live free every single day.
So how do we embrace this freedom? It starts with becoming, not just doing. We're called to become givers, servers, learners, lovers, and soul winners. These aren't just actions we perform; they're identities we embrace. When we truly become these things, they cease to be occasional activities and instead become the very essence of who we are.
Let's focus on the first of these transformative identities: becoming a giver. There's a powerful truth hidden in the words of Jesus: "Freely you have received, now freely give" (Matthew 10:8). This isn't just about money—it's about a lifestyle of generosity that reflects the heart of God.
Consider the story of Wayne Myers, a lifelong missionary to Mexico. Despite living on a missionary's income, he learned the secret of giving and receiving. He would make substantial pledges to support ministry work, trusting God to provide—and He always did. Wayne's life exemplified the principle: "Live to give."
This principle is echoed throughout scripture. In Malachi 3, we find a challenging message: "Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me." The accusation continues, pointing out that the people had cheated God in tithes and offerings. It's a stark reminder that what we give—or don't give—matters to God.
But here's the beautiful part: God follows this rebuke with an invitation. "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse," He says, "and see if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it." It's the only place in scripture where God explicitly tells us to test Him. He's that confident in the principle of generosity.
Why is giving so powerful? Because it frees us from greed. There's a fascinating story about how hunters catch monkeys in some parts of the world. They place a treat inside a container with a small opening. The monkey reaches in and grabs the treat, but then can't pull its hand out without letting go. Surprisingly, many monkeys will remain trapped, unwilling to release their grip on the prize. It's a poignant illustration of how greed can keep us captive.
Generosity, on the other hand, is the antidote to greed. It opens our hands and our hearts, allowing God's blessings to flow freely in our lives. When we give, we're most like God, who "so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16).
This principle isn't just an Old Testament concept. In Philippians 4, Paul commends the church for their generosity, describing their gifts as "a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God." He then reminds them of a promise we often claim: "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). But notice the context—this promise comes on the heels of their generous giving.
Jesus Himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). This blessing goes beyond just financial prosperity. Being generous with our finances often leads to blessings that money can't buy—true happiness, genuine friendships, health, and spiritual riches.
Consider the story of a family who came to faith through a simple postcard invitation to an Easter service. The card arrived late, after Easter had passed, yet God used it to draw them to a church where they found a spiritual home. This testament to the power of giving reminds us that when we invest in reaching others, God can use even our imperfect efforts in miraculous ways.
As we step into this new year, let's challenge ourselves to become givers in every sense of the word. Let's give our time, our talents, our resources, and our love. Let's give not out of obligation, but out of the overflow of what we've received from God.
Imagine what could happen if we truly embraced this lifestyle of generosity. How might it change our families, our communities, our world? What if, instead of asking "What can I get?", we started asking "What can I give?"
This year, let's commit to living free by living generously. Let's open our hands and our hearts, trusting that as we give, God will continue to pour out His blessings in ways we can't even imagine. Let's become channels of God's love and provision, allowing His blessings to flow through us to a world in need.
Remember, you have been set free to live free. Don't let greed, fear, or selfishness hold you captive. Instead, embrace the liberating power of generosity. As you do, you may find that in giving, you receive the greatest gift of all—the joy of living in harmony with God's heart and purpose for your life.
So, are you ready to live free in 2023? Are you ready to become a giver? The choice is yours, and the adventure awaits. Step into the freedom of generosity, and watch how God moves in and through your life in extraordinary ways.
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