The Essence Of Having

DAILY VITAMIN
- The Essence Of Having
"As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches but on God who richly furnishes us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good deeds, liberal and generous (1 Tim 6:17-18 RSV)
         What I'm about to tell you now is the greatest discovery of all time. Many mighty people never knew this, and so were drowned before they could even swim in the very ocean of glory. It will teach you how to live better. The prophets knew it; the wise men were aware of it; and till date God still inspires us to accept it - and that is the truth that the essence of having has always been-and will always be-giving.
          A seed is useless if it's never going to be sown. Its value lies in its cultivation. Jesus said unless it falls to the ground, it abides alone. In other words, until what you have leaves your hands into another, it may never be multiplied into abundance. Abundance is the product of seed sown. So when God gives seed to the sower, it is never to be hoarded, but to be sown. And the more people are blessed by it, the more this blessing increases.
         In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul writes "You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God" (v. 11 RSV). In God's perspective, every time He blesses you, it is because He expects others to be blessed by it so that they can give Him praise. Remember He made us the light of the world, not so that we can enjoy our radiance all by ourselves, but so that others can partake of it and give glory back to Him (Matthew 5:14-16). We are conduits of His blessings to the world - we don't just keep it for ourselves, we share it to improve lives.
          Even the lepers of 2 Kings 7 understood this. After they discovered the many bounties the Syrians had left behind and contemplated on whether or not they should share their findings with others, they said "We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come , that we may go and tell the king's household" (v.9). Jesus reiterated the same thing in Matthew 10:8. He said I gave you healing powers to heal the sick and raise the dead; and as freely as you have received, freely give as well.
         But in the parable of the rich fool, we can tell he didn't quite understand this principle. He wasn't a fool because he was rich. No! Riches are not a reproach. He was termed a fool by God because he didn't understand the essence of being rich. James 4:6 says that "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble". God judged him because he was proud. Pride is a 'me' focused virtue; but it takes humility to see others in a picture of your own frame. It takes humility to count others as important as yourself. This is how men create abundance and still secure the longevity to enjoy it. It may be mathematically incorrect, but it is divinely correct. There's one who scatters but yet increases (Proverbs 11:24). In the economics of heaven, you only lack what you keep, and never what you give. Hence, now that you have, give!

Confession:
God has blessed me with all the blessings of heaven to be a blessing to cities, nations and the world at large. He has given me the wealth to empower others. By me all the nations of the world shall be blessed. By me all of mankind shall be blessed. All of this, to the glory of God. Amen.