‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35b
We live in a world of “The Gimmies”. “Gimmie (give me) this.” “Gimmie that.” And patience? Huh! Forget about it. This is a “Gimmie Now” society we live in today.
I saw a movie the other day and about the only thing I enjoyed about it, besides the music, was a line by one of the actors. He said something like, “If you want to lose weight, eat right and start exercising. If you want to make money, get a job. Etc.” True!
Well, I started typing this journal entry this morning, then I had to go run errands, so I stopped typing. While I was gone, God gave me a new scenario to journal about. So I just deleted one paragraph and now I’m going to tell you about how God brought today’s scripture to life for me while running around town.
I was on my way into our local grocery store and about six baseball players, two of which I taught last year, were standing outside asking for donations. They are on their way to state, then hopefully will repeat a trip to nationals. These boys weren’t saying “Gimmie money.” They were asking politely for a contribution. I hugged and chatted and told them I’ll donate on my way out.
These young ball players have worked hard. No “gimmie the prize” for them. They have practiced and successfully played their way up to this position. Let’s interject a line for the movie mentioned above and say, “You want to win, PRACTICE, and practice hard.”
I made my small purchase and brought out a $20 bill to donate to the team. I have no idea what people have been contributing or how much the team needs, but you would have thought I gave them a huge amount. As I walked away I could hear their excitement. “Yes! We’ve got a twenty dollar bill! That puts us over our goal!” My heart swelled and a smile came on my face. Giving those boys that small amount gave me a great gift of joy.
Do we need to have the “gimmies” where we want to receive something and receive it now? Nah, let’s get the “giveies”.
Scripture stands true. It IS better to give than to receive.
Let’s look at Acts 20:35 again, “You’ll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, ‘You’re far happier giving than getting.'” (The Message)
Amen!
Have a “giveie” day.
Blessings to you.
Oh, good luck boys, I’ll be rooting for you! Praying you all up.
July 24 “Walk in the Word”
