Someone says to send him 20 bucks and God will make you rich. Don’t believe him; he is a lying sack of garbage.  He’s taken a beautiful truth in the Bible and twisted it for his own evil, greedy purposes.

But what is the “beautiful truth” and can we trust it?  Pay attention to what this says and what it does not say:

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.  (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

If you give generously, will God make you rich?  No, He will “bless you abundantly,” so you will be able to be more generous (“abound in every good work”).  That is, if your motive is to bless someone else, not to get anything back for yourself – a reward, public notoriety, brownie points with God, etc.   When we give with the right attitude, it really is true that God blesses us – abundantly!

Check it out for yourself.  Take that 20 bucks I just saved  you and ask God to show you how you might use it to truly bless someone, as an expression of His grace.  Maybe He will show you someone who needs the money.  Maybe, someone who is lonely and could use coffee and conversation.  The possibilities are unlimited.  It’s an exciting experiment, one which God encourages us to to try.  The more you see how it works, the more it does work.  You learn to trust it and enjoy it. 

When I want to water my lawn, I use the sprinkler that most efficiently passes the water along to the grass.  If one of the sprinklers blocks the flow, I throw it away.  God uses His people to pour out tangible grace to those in need.  Those who understand their role as conduits of His generosity, receive more from Him to pass along.  Those who hoard, receive less and miss out on what could have been an exhilarating dance with God. 

Have fun…