continued from Lesson 7, Post 3
I see another thing in these verses that helps us with the heart disease of discontent. Paul commended the Philippian believers for being generous toward him. He wanted them to know that he did not "need" their gifts, but he was grateful to them for the gifts. What I find most interesting is the reason why Paul was grateful - and it had nothing to do with him.
He loved these people. He loved that church. And Paul knew that being generous was good tonic for their own hearts. He knew that giving was medication for the disease of discontent.
Warren Wiersbe says,
"Paul thanks the Philippians for their gifts and assures them that the spiritual meaning of their gifts is far more important to him than the gifts themselves. What a blessing it is to know that our gifts are looked upon as spiritual sacrifices to the Lord that rejoice His heart!"
Do you find yourself struggling with a spirit of discontent? Try giving. Practice generosity. Look for ways to give ... of yourself, of your money, of your time, of your talent ... give it away ... expecting nothing in return.
Begin to make lists ... ways that you can be a "giver" today. This is just between you and God. He will put creative ideas into your mind. Post some of your ideas about being a "giver" on this site. Let's begin a collection of ways to give. Of course, money is the most obvious. And it is so important for each of us to give of our money. We must learn to "release" our grip. We act as if the money actually belongs to us! The amount is not as important as the act. And then start getting creative. How about "giving" that close parking space at WalMart to the car behind you? How about giving the car that is trying to get into the traffic flow a spot in front of you? How about giving a neighbor a plate of homemade cookies ... for no reason at all? Can you think of other ways to intentionally practice the art of giving so that your own heart is vaccinated against the disease of discontent?
Reflect on the following wisdom from God ... and ask yourself, 'Do I believe Him?'
Proverbs 18:16
"A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great."
2 Corinthians 9: 7 - 11
"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ... your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."
One commentator has said, "God is the source of everything good. Believers are called to be generous because of the example of the Lord of life. A stingy Christian should be an extinct species. Generosity proves that person's heart has been cleansed of self-interest and filled with the servant spirit of Jesus Himself. That is why acts of generosity result in God being praised."
Our homework? Practice generosity ... every day! It is part of the road to contentment.
I like the Wiersbe quote. It reminds me of 2 Cor. 8 when Paul says the reason the Macedonians were able to give so sacrificially was because they "gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will." If I haven't given my heart to someone, I can be stingy...with my time, my attention, my resources, my goodwill, my energy. But if I have, the rest is easy-peasy.
ReplyDeleteThe heart's the toughest part to turn loose. Once that's out of the way, the rest comes rolling in like a storm. J
I like the "stingy Christian" quote (and it should at least be an oxymoron!).
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, I love your remarks about first giving our hearts. God gave the toughest part first, as well... and "how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32)
Why don't we know that better? It should be so obvious we don't even have to stop and think about it!