Jesus Himself said:
“It is more blessed [and brings greater joy] to give than to receive.”
As a young boy I never fully understand why Jesus made the Acts 20:13 statement. It just doesn’t make any sense to be more satisfying when you Give than when you Receive, does it? Today’s culture teaches fulfillment comes from achievements and to be successful on a variety of fronts. Success is typically measures in how well we performed academically, financially and by what we drive and where we live. We always seem to be striving for more and more because for some reason having we think that by having the “goods” we will be happy. For kids few things beat their birthdays or Christmas time. So many gifts and presents and we’re treated extra “special”. Receiving these gifts seems to be the logical source of happiness and the more we get the happier we will become.
As the years went by it dawned on me that happiness just wasn’t found in the things and in accumulating more wealth. I’ve noticed on the other hand that the givers were in fact the ones filled with joy rather than the recipients. What I discovered was this:
- The focus point needs to change away from Me towards Others.
The essence of our call to follow Jesus is found in Matthew 16:24. If someone wants to follow Jesus, he/she needs to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Him. Jesus was the perfect example for us. Are you ready to follow Jesus? Simply lay aside your wants and start by dying more and trying less? Live an Intentional life daily asking the Lord daily to send someone you way that you can bless.
“It is more blessed [and brings greater joy] to give than to receive.” Acts 20:13
Let’s be servants of the Lord. Not trying harder today but rather dying more today!
Lets be filled by the Spirit while running on Empty.