Every now and then we'd take Naomi to our favourite restaurant (sadly - Mc Donald's) and get her some chicken nuggets kids meal. Everytime we do that, I'd ask her to share her food with us. It's one way of teaching her to share, because she's the only child. But everytime we do that, without fail, she'd say, "Don't finish it ok mummy?" (I know that it sounds like I'm some greedy mother who eats her child's portion as well as her own, well I'm not, okay!) And so everytime she says that, V and I have to teach her that mum and dad are the ones who bought this for her, so if we want to eat them, we are allowed to, because we're the one who bought them. If it's finished, we can buy some more for her, because we're the ones with the money, not her. Therefore she has to be generous to mommy and daddy, because we are the ones who provide her with everything!
Turns out that it's not that easy to convince a 6 yo to let mum and dad take as much chips as they want just because they bought them. I think in her mind she thinks 'well you gave them to me, so now they're mine!'
I think in the same way, we are like Naomi when it comes to our giving to God.
God gives us everything we need in this life. He blesses us with work and jobs so we can earn our living and buy our needs; He blesses us with family and friends to keep us happy, entertained, and encouraged; He blesses us with lives, so we have time to do our job for His kingdom. Everything comes from Him, and belongs to Him.
If He wants to take everything away from us right now He can, simply by taking our lives away or the lives of those we love. Who are we to complain? At the end of the day He is the owner of this universe and everything that's in it.
So why is it sometimes so hard for some of us to give generously and with a cheerful heart?
Deut 15 says...
10 Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.
If you have been holding back from giving generously to God or for the purpose of His kingdom, may I encourage you to take a good look at your life and everything that's in it.
Are you well? or hospitalised with some sort of life support?
Do you have family and friends who love you? even if it's just one person.
Do you have roof over your head?
Do you have easy access to food and fresh water to drink?
Can you sleep well?
Can you taste delicious food?
Do you laugh at your friends' jokes or comedy shows on TV?
These are little blessings that we often take for granted, and yet we still have all these despite of our lack of generousity to God! Now read again Deut 15:10 and take the challenge of faith and give "generously ... and without a grudging heart", and watch your life multiply in wellness, peace and blessings as you consistently obey His words.
Just remember, daddy can buy you more chips! :)
Are you well? or hospitalised with some sort of life support?
Do you have family and friends who love you? even if it's just one person.
Do you have roof over your head?
Do you have easy access to food and fresh water to drink?
Can you sleep well?
Can you taste delicious food?
Do you laugh at your friends' jokes or comedy shows on TV?
These are little blessings that we often take for granted, and yet we still have all these despite of our lack of generousity to God! Now read again Deut 15:10 and take the challenge of faith and give "generously ... and without a grudging heart", and watch your life multiply in wellness, peace and blessings as you consistently obey His words.
Just remember, daddy can buy you more chips! :)
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