This past week, my children had their school spring concert. When the time came to pass the plate, my Michael bounded out of his chair to get some bills to put into the offering. As the ushers were released, he shuffled his feet forward in a rush to make sure he did not miss as the offering receptacle came by. He was enthusiastic and had a sunny bright-eyed smile on his face. He couldn’t give it fast enough, he was so excited.
I was so happy in that moment seeing him and knowing the verse that reads, “The Lord loves a cheerful giver.” I know God and his angels were smiling ear to ear in that moment too. I recently read the book, A Divine Revelation of Heaven, by Mary K. Baxter, and the author records in her trips to heaven that there are angels overseeing our church services and each one records what is given at the offering along with the attitude of the heart with which it is given. That was so memorable! If it’s important to God, it must be important to us.
My son did not worry for a second where that money came from when he gave. He knew I had it for him to give. I challenge us all to be more trusting of God as our Source for provision. Our job or income is not our source, Jesus is! Just as our children fully trust us as their source for all their needs, I challenge us to put a little more weight on the arms of our Provider.
My older son has a friend who is the son of a pastor, and I noticed that every time my son went to their house, this young man would send him home with a toy or one of his possessions.
It wasn’t junk either like the robot with the missing arm or the three wheeled truck your mom hasn’t had the heart to toss. I noted this repeatedly. I also noticed this young man’s older sisters giving things freely to other kids as they helped in kids’ church or Vacation Bible School. They had no lack mentality. One day I asked their dad how they taught their children to give, and as he looked up to reply, I instantly knew his answer in my heart. They modeled it.
They taught it by their actions when no one was looking, when there was no one around to impress , in the privacy of their home, in interactions with family members and friends. I want to model this for my family, and I challenge us all to do this and be generous with our time, talent, and treasure. There’s even a promise that accompanies it! Luke 6:38 says, “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
