WHY GIVE?

Deut. 16:16-17 No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed: ¹⁷ Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.

There are many saying as it relates to us giving vs. God's giving unto us.   One in particular; " You can't beat God's giving..." In the above Old Testament scripture the context is as it relates to 3 festivals that the body was to present a present to the church as it related to " proportion of how the LORD blessed you."

While we are still in the gift giving season, I want to simply ask you, what was it that you pledged to Christ on His birthday?  Surely you didn't celebrate His birthday, spent hundred or thousands of dollars on presents and not one consideration to the ONE whose birthday you are actually celebrating?   Ok, let me approach this a little differently.....HOW GOOD HAS GOD BEEN TO YOU?  Like in " It's A Wonderful Life" despite what all you may not have, or think you should have, or want to have do you even see your life as a gift?  AS THE BEST POSSIBLE GIFT?

The devotion today is more of a question than it is a statement....WHY GIVE???????  Because so much has been given to you...this is why!   What can you present to CHRIST.....simply your life.  Devote more time to worshipping Him.  Devote more time, and become strategic at it, in including him during your day.  Stop sitting, and start serving in the ministry you feel called or led to be in.   Join a bible study and/or small group.  START A SMALL GROUP if you are led to. LOVE YOUR WIFE AS CHRIST LOVED & GAVE HIMSELF for the church.  Don't know what that looks like....well first become the church, and stop just going. Believe me, you'll begin to then understand.   Stop loving yourself more than others, and start loving them like you love yourself.  Pay attention to those less fortunate, and serve them.   Stop living contrary to the way you desire your kids to live.  Paul said in Romans: give your life as the only reasonable sacrifice..........LGLP