Two days ago I gave away that most prized piece of jewelry, the James Avery ring my mother had given me. If you know me intricately enough, you know I don't ever take that ring off my index finger. However, the other day my friend Alex came over and said he wanted something to remember me by and he pointed to my ring. I asked him, "Are you sure you want my ring?" and he said, "Yes, I'm very seriuos." I knew that I had to give it to him and suprisingly enough I slide it off my finger, thinking it would never fit him. He shoved it on his index finger. Even though I was given grace enough not to contend with his request, I went into my room to shed a few tears over the situation. It's hard to be like Christ to the point we start giving when it hurts, not out of over abundance, but his grace is sufficient to continue the good work he started in us. I ran to the Word for comfort and received this word from the Lord.
" Remember this: Whoever sow sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows generoulsy will also reap generously. Each man
should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under
complusion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all
grace abound to you, so taht in all things at all times, having all that you
need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthinans 9:6-9
I know that it was the Lord's divine decision for me to have to give out something precious to me as a means to transform my perspective on material possessions, about God's character in being the ultimate giver of all things and about how he wants me to be just like him. I learned a ton through the verse in James 1:5 that says the Lord gives wisdom generously without finding fault--meaning whether we appreciate it or not or say thanks or not he still is generous with us! Wow! I knew that Alex had done nothing to deserve my ring seeing as we've only known each other for 3 weeks and not very well, that he didn't understand the significance of it, that he didn't give me any thanks for it, and that he didn't cherrish it like I did. My flesh was tempted to dwell on all the reasons why he didn't deserve it but James 1:5 was the rock solid truth. God loves Alex and me and gave his life for the both of us, even when we were his enemies. We don't deserve our Saviour's love but he gives it generously; therfore as a child of God, I too must give not according to merit but because of all that I have been given. Needless to say, it has been a beautifully, hard, blessed experience. I continually repeat this quote to myself from Jim Elliott that says, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot loose." The truth is I haven't lost anything; I've only gained a greater glimpse into the Lord's face, understanding his character and the kingdom of God more. I praise him for this. For today he's still saving me from myself, for his name's sake.
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