There’s something about giving that frees us. It releases a part of us that has been tucked away, yearning to be exposed and shared with others in ways that add meaning and value to their lives. And in so doing, we also add meaning and value to our own.
Many of us are generous at heart, but get consumed by our daily hectic schedules and life’s demands. We often forget why we’re really here: “to love one another, as God has loved us.” But when we remember, giving comes easily, as a natural extension of ourselves.
Others of us may have a desire to give, but don’t feel we can “afford to.” You may be thinking, “How can I give when I’m barely making it myself?” But when we really take a good look at our lives, we realize how blessed we are, even those of us who seemingly have the least.
The more blessed we realize we are, the more we realize we have to give. Then it’s just a matter of taking action. Remember, when a hand is closed, nothing goes out or comes in. When we open our hearts and hands to give, not only are we sharing from God’s abundant blessings in our lives, we’re making room for more.
When we share with others, blessings increasingly show up in our lives—sometimes from the ones we’ve shared with or sometimes from someone totally different. Regardless of the source, the gift always returns to us—often in a different form and many-fold.
When we think of giving, we often think of gifts of money and material possessions. These are useful gifts especially to those really in need of them, but there are also numerous other gifts we can give such as our time, talents, compassion, encouragement, i.e., the gift of ourselves. Another word for this type of gift is service, and, when you think about it, what greater gift could we possibly give than that?
In his book The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren says, “God determines your greatness by how many people you serve, not how many people serve you.” He shares the following ideas for being a real servant by increasingly giving to others—especially the gift of ourselves.
- Real servants make themselves available to serve. Do what’s needed, even when it’s inconvenient. As a servant, you don’t get to pick and choose when or where you will serve. Being a servant means giving up the right to control your schedule and allowing God to interrupt it whenever he needs to.
- Real servants pay attention to needs. When God puts someone in need right in front of you, he is giving you the opportunity to grow in servant-hood. Great opportunities to serve never last long. You may only get one chance to serve that person, so take advantage of the moment.
- Real servants do their best with what they have. Servants never say “One of these days,” or “When the time is right.” They just do what needs to be done. The Bible says, “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done” (Ecclesiastes 11:4). Less-than-perfect service is always better than the best intention.
- Real servants do every task with equal dedication. The size of the task is irrelevant. The only issue is, does it need to be done? Great opportunities often disguise themselves in small tasks. The little things in life determine big things. Before attempting the extraordinary, try serving in ordinary ways.
- Real servants are faithful to their ministry. Servants finish their tasks, fulfill their responsibilities, keep their promises and complete their commitments. They don’t leave a job half-done, and they don’t quit when they are discouraged. They are trustworthy and dependable.
- Real servants maintain a low profile. Self –promotion and servant-hood don’t mix. Real servants don’t serve for the approval or applause of others. They live for an audience of One. Remember the words of Jesus: “If as my representatives, you give even a cup of cold water to a little child, you will surely be rewarded” (Matthew 10:42).
Maybe you’re already doing a good job of giving and serving. Chances are you can still give a lot more. After all, you need to do something with the abundance of blessings that are probably flowing into your life right now because you give so much.
If giving does not come easily for you—whether because or your circumstances or lack of desire—make today your turning point. It’s never too late to make a difference in the life of someone else.
When you do, God will bless you more for it—just as he promised when he said: “For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give—large or small—will be used to measure what is given back to you” (Luke 6:38).
