Giving.

Ever had to leave work at 5 AM, board a commercial bike, enter a Danfo, jump off it while in motion, get stuck in traffic, get beaten by rain and suffer other mishaps, just to keep a job? Not only that- but to endure that for a couple of years?

Well, this (and in many cases, worse) is what the average employee in Lagos and other urban parts of the world goes through every day. There’s the constant demand to wear a person out, in a bid to earn a living, meet needs and provide for those dear.  Yet, as notable as these luxuries are, one of the most important reasons for money, if not the most I daresay, is to give.

Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him be industrious, making an honest living with his own hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need.

-Ephesians 4:28

All through the scriptures, men were weighed not by how much cattle they owned. Instead, the wealth of a man was discerned by how much he had given away and what such gifts cost him. Yet, as the burden of living keeps getting heavier and the needs keep piling to the roof, there’s hardly anything sufficient left to live on, how much more to give up!

How canI give my hard-earned money (time, emotions, energy, service) away, when what I have isn’t enough?!

This beloved, is the issue with Giving.

The concept of Giving has morphed into an unrecognizable notion, peddled by manipulators and selfishly-ambitious men. Looking into the Scriptures, you’d notice however that Giving is meant to be a satisfying experience – not one that leaves your emotions mangled and strained. Kindly note I didn’t say pleasant, I said satisfying. Giving God’s way is the best way- everyone wins in the end.

So you may ask, why should I give? Why do I have to give? If I work hard to make a living, why do I have to give it all up to a God who is purportedly rich or a person who doesn’t work as hard as I do?

A great place to start is this- Giving is the basis for human relationships. Are you a man or a woman? Do you check that box? Then that’s enough reason to give. Imagine if all the basic services in the world were hoarded and kept for only a select few; so you couldn’t buy a washing machine simply because the inventor decided to make only a few for his family member & friends or you can’t buy fuel to drive because the owners of fueling stations refuse to sell to anyone except their staff. Do you see how exceedingly difficult life would be?

For a brief moment, close your eyes and imagine if Jesus, the greatest gift of all, wasn’t given to the world by Our Heavenly Father. We have eternal life and other perks, simply because God gave his Son and His Son gave up His life for you and me. Glory to God! Giving is an expression of Love, Honour and Thanksgiving. We give not to earn love, we give because we love. Whenever we have cause to give to God or others, we must first put in mind the motive and heart behind that gift. If it’s anything other than these, sadly the giving doesn’t count.

And in the course of time, Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground.

And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering;

But for Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed.

-Genesis 4:3-5

The world’s first siblings, Cain and Abel had the chance to bring offerings before the Lord. God blatantly ignores the gift of one brother. Of course, he would be pissed. Scriptures highlight something very important, which is how the Lord regarded the individual before his offering. It didn’t matter if Cain brought a truckload of fresh vegetables from his farm, he had a heart issue that needed settling and his Giving couldn’t rectify this.

[And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected?

If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.

-Genesis 4:6-7

God ignored the act of giving and pointed out what’s more important – Cain’s heart posture. The prescription for a rejected offering wasn’t to give more; that wouldn’t eradicate the underlying problem.

We all know how that story ends.

The point is before Giving can be Giving, it has to be done from a place of relationship; a place of love. Giving to God or a fellow man without this basic requisite is nothing short of manipulative. This is the only way to give without any strings attached and to enjoy the process, while at it.

Whoever finds [hoards] his life will lose it and whoever loses [gives] his life on My account will find it.

-Matthew 10:39

Remember, there’s nothing received that wasn’t given by the Lord. Be it your time, money, resources, skill, talent- whatever it may be, give it up.

You’d find more waiting in store for you; more than you ever gave.

-From your sister with the same Abba,

Praise Samuel.