From a Taker to a Giver

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” ~ Winston Churchhill

We have all heard the famous words from Jesus, “It’s more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35). How well you practice this spiritual principle will be determined by whether or not the Spirit of God is alive inside your heart. We are all born takers. If you don’t think that’s true, put two three-year-olds in the same room by themselves and give them one toy. One of the first words children learn to say and understand is “it’s mine.” Most children are better givers than adults because adults learn to master the art of taking as they age, it’s called individualism, and the world is stricken with it.

To move from a taker to a giver requires deep surrender; you must die to yourself. The quest for self-gratification must come to an end, and for most people, this doesn’t materialize until they have burnt a lot of bridges and broke a lot of hearts. When we turn our will and lives over to the care of God, God graciously accepts us as we are but doesn’t leave us there. God is a God of love, and God requires all who believe to love God and others more than themselves. Humans can’t accomplish unconditional love unless the Spirit of God comes to dwell in their hearts. To be transformed from a taker to a giver, you must surrender your entire life over to the care, custody, and control of God. If you do, you will discover what Jesus meant by “It’s more blessed to give than receive.” You will move from a taker to a giver. 

Dear God, thank You so much for the wonderful gifts You have given us. You so bless us. Help us to become gift-givers like You. We desire to bless everyone around us. Let us find joy in giving to others. In Your Spirit and Name, we pray these things. May Your will not ours materialize, now and forever, Amen.