GODS WILL AND GODS WAYS (Sharing Real Life Issues) - Part 6 It is the will of God to give but against His way to give with an ulterior motive. 2Cor. 9:7 Recently, we had an expository look on gift giving. As you know, giving doesnt have to be in cash or material things, it can be anything which youd use to show your appreciation to your spouse/partner or anything used as an expression of love. Before youd give, whether to God or your spouse, you need to examine the motive behind your giving. As it is often known that givers never lack, but there are some giving that youd do that would attract no reward because of your motive behind it. The following are the kinds of giving that attracts no reward. 1. Giving to be praised There are people who loves the praise of men. They want to be praised when they give, either to God or men. You have received your reward if you seek the praise of men when you give. 2. Giving someone that can pay you back Giving must not be conditional. When you give a person for the sake of being able to pay you back, such giving doesnt have any reward from God. Many people loves this kind of giving. 3. Blowing your trumpet when you give Jesus said, your left hand mustnt know what you give (Matt. 6:3). When you offer help to person and you make it known to a third party, your giving isnt acceptable before God. It has to be in secret so that you can be rewarded in public. If reverse is the case, then theres no reward. 4. Giving by coercion In Christian circles, some MOGs would coerce people to give if they dont want one thing or the other to happen to them. If you give based on this pedestal, your giving cannot be rewarded because it doesnt come from a willing heart. 5. Uncheerful giving How would you feel when I wear a frown and give you a 32 carat golden wristwatch? A part of you will not gladly receive it or appreciate it better because of the condition of my face. Whether youre coerced or not, your giving must be from a cheerful heart. God loves a cheerful giver and not giving grudgingly. 6. Giving with an ulterior motive Ulterior motives could be individual based either to win someones affection or to show off. God weighs motives and He knows the intent of the heart of men. When you have an ulterior motives for giving, its advisable to halt because its unprofitable. It is Gods command to give but its against His pattern of giving when you allow the flesh to influence your giving. If youd access any of His promises through giving, you must ensure that you give willingly, cheerfully and its sacrificial. If your reason to give is not motivated by love, He will not reward you in love. Prayer: Lord, help me. Search me and cleanse me oh Lord. Oluwatoyin Adebowale KEY ©2014
Posted on: Wed, 29 Oct 2014 07:10:39 +0000
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