This post has been in process for a few weeks, but I felt it was still important to finish it and publish it.
Our holiday season has been a bit different this year, as both my hubby and I were hit with a pretty severe cold that kept us home for a few days. Our outings were fewer, and some even postponed as we were home resting more than what may be our normal practice. However, we were still able to visit with family and friends once we were no longer contagious. It felt like a much more laid back season and I am so grateful for that.
It gave me time to watch a classic that I hadn't watched for a couple of years. I got to watch It's A Wonderful Life. I love this one, and have found myself thinking about it a few times since I watched it this season. In the movie, it tells the highlights of the life of George Bailey's life. It shows his life had touched so many, even though he didn't feel like he had been successful, or made a difference at all. His dream had been to go to school and become an architect or builder and to travel to so many amazing places. However, due to many different circumstances, going to college and traveling abroad didn't happen.
While I'm watching it, I saw a picture in the movie that I don't remember ever seeing before. It was a place in the office to honor George's father, Peter Bailey. Peter and his brother started the business and at this place in the movie, he has passed away. His picture was hung there, and a quote from him was under it that says this, "All that you can take with you is that which you have given away." - Peter Bailey (It's A Wonderful Life)
In reading this quote I am reminded of Acts 20:35b, "You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'." (NLT)
I know that this season (Christmas time) helps to emphasize that some, and I know the pressure to give more than you may be able to afford is a struggle for many. But I hope you can hear the basic heart of what I'm saying with this.
During the Christmas season, a large focus is on giving and receiving "things", but giving should not just happen during the holidays. Some of our friends and family have decided to focus on experiences- they saved up and took a really nice trip all together. That was making memories all together. But each person needs to do what works for them.
This quote though definitely caused me to examine my heart and habits, "Do I give?" and in asking that, it also leads me to think about WHAT I can give. I think that often I automatically associate the word "give" with money. I see those standing at the intersections, and on the street corners with their signs asking for a job, for food, for money to help them. Some of the signs spell out they are a veteran, or they are homeless, and the list goes on. Then there is this voice in my head telling me that if I give them anything, they may just use it unwisely. (Like I'm always a wise spender. LOL) If I feel the nudge to give, I will, if I don't, I don't. I am responsible for doing what the Lord desires, not what they do with what they receive. I remember hearing a song years ago, and I can't seem to find it, but the beginning of it said sometime to the effect that all that I am and have was given to me by the Lord. The main theme that I seem to remember is all that I am, all that I can do, and all that I have is because of Him. His grace allowed me to be born, and kept me alive this long. He gives me each breath that I take, He keeps my heart beating, and my mind and body working. I need to steward and guard them well, but also know that it isn't because of me. It's all because of Him. Even if it money I earned, I couldn't have done it, if He didn't give me the strength and wisdom and knowledge to do what is needed to earn it. So, when He is asking me to give, obedience is the best way to go. He may not be asking you to give money, it may be the time to help someone with errands; or to sit with someone for a time. It may be to use a skill I have that they don't. There are many possibilities but giving is always a blessing not just to the receiver.
It is more blessed to give than receive- but we also have to be open to receive in order for others to be able to give, right?
It goes back to giving still though, and the association with money that can be such a hurdle to so many, including me.
Money seems to be a sore subject. That feeling comes those that have felt to take a "vow of poverty" to those with a "poverty mindset". The vow of poverty, in my experience has often been related to those from the Catholic faith but it could be more. The "poverty mindset" is described by Kris Vallotton as "A poverty mindset can trap you into thinking there are limits on what you get to have. As a result, you can be jealous of anyone who receives something that you don’t have. This seeps into all aspects of life including work, friends, and positions within the church." (taken from https://www.krisvallotton.com/8-steps-walking-poverty-mindset) Many seem to feel that having money is because you are greedy. Many seem to think that money is filthy, it is bad, it is evil. I don't want to have this mindset.
This verse to verify the above sentiments.
1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows."
They quote it saying that money is the root of all evil, but the verse says, "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil" (NLT), "Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble" (MSG).
I looked it up in quite a few translations, and most of them say it pretty much the same way. This made me think, what are my thoughts about money? What is my mindset? Money is simply a tool that can be used in many ways. I work to earn it, and I am occasionally given some as a gift. From there, I either deposit it into the checking or savings account, then it may be spent or invested. Some will hopefully be left for my children/grandchildren to inherit when I finish my time here on the earth; but having it allows me to do things that I would not be able to do without it. But if I love money, and that is all I want- that is when the problem with money enters the picture. As we serve Him, keep our eyes on Him, have our focus on Him, the "things" are simply things, or tools to be used for blessing others.
But, nothing I have, or have earned can be taken with me when I die, right? That is part of what Peter Bailey's quote speaks about, and these verses cover it, too.
1 Timothy 6:7 "After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it."
Psalm 49:17 "For when they die, they take nothing with them. their wealth will not follow them into the grave."
Both of these speak to not being able to take anything with us into Glory, but this isn't just speaking about money. Like the quote from the movie, "All you can take with you is that which you have given away."
You are born with gifts and talents, and your learn skills as you grow. These gifts, talents, and skills are all valuable, too. Giving is not just about financial aid. It is about making an impact, making a difference and helping. Love and compassion, kindness, mercy, hope, encouragement- these can also be shared and given away.
I remember our church hearing of someone that was in need of some groceries, so we'd have a "pounding". Each family would bring "a pound of this, and a pound of that" and all that each brought would go to the family in need. Reading stories, or listening to my grandmothers speak of times when the neighbors knew of a family that was ill, or facing difficult times, and everyone would chip in with prepared meals, or rides to appointments, or whatever they could do to make a difference and to show them they mattered. Some communities all chip in to help build buildings on their neighbor's property; some have groups that make blankets/quilts for the family that is expecting a new little one, some communities/groups that take turns making meals for a family facing illness/or a new baby in the home and mom can't be on her feet for a bit.
Why does it feel so hard for me when I hear someone asking me to give? Why is it sometimes really easy and other times not? As mentioned above in Acts 20, I know it is more blessed to give than to receive. I know that Jesus said in Luke 6: 38, "give, and you will receive. You gift will return to you in full- pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." (NLT). I believe sometimes it is that it is not a time for me to give to that reason/cause; and other times, it may be my attitude or mindset. It is then MY responsibility to get my spirit, and listen for what HE is saying and act on it.
Lord, as I have been working on this post for about a month, and trying to make sure that it makes sense and flows with Your Word, I want to thank you for helping me with this one. Break off any poverty mindset that I may have. May my heart and my attitude be right when it comes to money and when someone asks for donations, or help. Help me to be willing to give as You lead, and to trust You in it all. Thank you for all you have given me, and created me to be. Help me to bring honor and glory to You as I walk this out in my life.
(All photos found through Google.com)