The Gift and the Giver

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince). Giving and service are two very tricky topics. It always comes down to time and money. And the truth is, it feels like we never have enough of each. But within our faith journey, it’s a very necessary part of the Christian walk. We often get caught up in the number associated with the gift or to which organization we give our time and money, but the truth is how we give and serve is more important than what we give or where we serve. God is more concerned with the giver rather than the gift. When the poor woman gave all she had to live on toward the ministry of the church, Jesus praised her and said she has given more than all of the others because she gave from her heart all she had and trusted God with her life and the result.

Service and Giving are more than just numbers and amount of time. It’s the motivation behind it that matters most. Brother Lawrence, who was a famous friar in the 17th century once said that we should think often that our only business in this life is to please God. Perhaps all besides is but folly and vanity (Brother Lawrence, Practicing the Presence of God). Our business in this life is to please the One who gave it all to us in the first place. This was exactly the message that Peter spoke to the churches in his first letter saying each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms (1 Peter 4:10 NIV).

We are stewards. Holders and managers of what God has entrusted us with- whether that’s time, talent, or finances. We’ve been given such little time on this earth to manage what we’ve been given. To make it better or make it grow. To see growth and movement in the kingdom and mission of God. We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed (Brother Lawrence, Practicing the Presence of God).

All of what we give and where we serve should constantly point back to the one who taught us and gave it all for us. Jesus said to his disciples after he washed their feet that I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you (John 13:15 NIV).

Examine your hearts this week. Where do you give toward furthering the mission of God? How are you serving the kingdom right now? If you’re finding it difficult to answer these questions, what needs to change in your rhythm of life to follow the example of Jesus. To use whatever gifts you’ve received to serve and give back. Because it is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince). The truth is God doesn’t want your money or time. He wants your heart.