SHARE Magazine October 2016 | Page 29

? ? ? NOTE TO SELF... GIVEWITHNO Strings At tached The holidays are upon me there is Thanksgiving, Guy Fawkes Night, Hanukkah, numerous birthdays and anniversaries in between and then the grand finale` is Christmas. What do all these things have in common? Giving gifts! For the BELIEVER IN JESUS Christ, giving is not a chore it is truly a JOY, (putting Jesus first, yourself last and others in between) that means in practical terms that we do not give because we expect something back, others are not made to feel beholden to us, we do not give, even to get God to bless us in return. There are simply no strings attached! Here is a quick test to Godly giving to make sure we have not forgotten the reason for giving. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • DO I look out for those in need? DO I really care about the person I am giving to? DO I use my gifts to manipulate people? DO I use my gifts to feel better about myself? DO I always give of my best regardless? AM I trying to impress others with my wealth? AM I seeking favour with persons of influence with my gifts? AM I intending to get in right standing with God by giving? AM I truly not offended if I don’t get something back? AM I simply discarding what I do not want? How did I go about delivering my gift (discretely/publicly)? How do I define giving, in monetary/material terms only? How thoughtful, considerate, practical, useful, needed is my gift? Is my presence a greater gift than a present? Let’s not wait until the holidays or special occasions to give because in God’s economy none should ever go without as everything living is giving and we are blessed to be a blessing. ? October - December 2016 SHARE|MAGAZINE | 29