Give – Give!

I love being around people who are givers. Their generous spirit just leaks out of them. I remember when I was much younger how I wished that I could give more. I didn’t realize that as a result of my choices to take on debt because I wanted what I wanted then, I was entering into a trap that severely limited my ability to give. God gave His only Son for me to be forgiven of my sin – I am never more like God than when I’m giving too.

I love the incident where the religious leaders were trying to “trip up” Jesus so that they would have reason to arrest Him. He said the word give in two different ways. Check this out….

¹³ Later the leaders sent some Pharisees and supporters of Herod to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. ¹⁴ “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us—is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? ¹⁵ Should we pay them, or shouldn’t we?”

Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you trying to trap me? Show me a Roman coin, and I’ll tell you.” ¹⁶ When they handed it to him, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

¹⁷ “Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”

His reply completely amazed them. (Mark 12:13-17 NLT)

The first quarter of each new year is tax time in our country. We put together reports of our earnings and calculate the amount of taxes we owe. This season follows the fourth quarter which has Thanksgiving and Christmas – two of the biggest “giving” seasons.

Jesus gives some perspective on paying taxes when He says give. Giving the government my tax money is different than “paying” my taxes. I know it sounds simple, but there is a difference.  Throughout His ministry, Jesus reminded His followers (and us) that we should hold lightly to our money instead of tightly. It’s not ours to begin with. God owns everything – we are simply managers of it.

I need to be reminded when giving the government my tax share – I had earnings. #blessed

I need to be reminded when giving to God – I had earnings.  #blessed

Out of a grateful heart, generosity can shine and light up the world. The Lord loves generous people.

Pressing On!

Dwayne