Most likely you know these two kinds of people. One type doesn't have much but shares what they can with inexpressible joy. Others have much but even the thought of giving sends shivers down their spines.

Which one is living in abundance? Which one is experiencing “lack?”

I know a few people that as soon as they sense “lack” approaching their hearts, they give away their money. Have I seen them struggling financially? Never.

The very opposite! They share story after story of God’s goodness and provision.

I know people that don’t have a “real” job because they’re called by God into a less ordinary life. Instead of barely meeting their ends, they help others to pay their bills.

I’m not saying that having a job is bad. No, it’s commendable! Stealing is bad.

“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” (Ephesians 4:28, ESV).

There are principles in the Bible that don’t make logical sense to the natural mind. If Jesus was to give a seminar on finances, it wouldn’t sound as appealing. Yet, people who apply those principles would actually be more than rich in money.

The abundance of the heart

Being rich depends on the way you describe “abundance.” One would say it’s a high mathematical number, but I would argue that it’s not true.

Living a life of abundance is not about money. It's about having an active relationship with God which gives joy, wisdom, purpose and direction. Material possessions are not the goal but only a by-product of having wisdom.

If giving flows from an abundant heart, it’s a result of God’s work in a person. It has nothing to do with the size of the wallet. The true riches are found in knowing God because that unlocks abundant life.

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” (Proverbs 11:24, ESV).

Every believer has the privilege to operate from the trust in God. That creates a completely different outlook on life. The world doesn’t have this foundational rock and sees many threats. It comes from not knowing God and not having the ability to lean on Him. They feel like giving a small amount will cost everything.

According to God’s logic, two minus one equals four while the world declares with anger that ten minus one will be zero.

Abundance is not a mathematical number but a state that the heart can reach. It all starts with the knowledge of God. The knowledge builds trust and works until it grows into a mature joy that can never be taken away.

Generosity versus greed

Everyone in the world wants to be happy. Where does a merry heart come from?

It comes from the abundance in the heart. Psychology confirms the benefits of generosity. A few worth mentioning:

• Sharing what you have increases health and happiness.
• Giving your energy and time to the less fortunate helps to fight depression.
• Helping others reduces levels of stress and results in longer life.

Psychology Today mentions the pros of greed:

“Greed is also associated with negative psychological states such as stress, exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and despair, and with maladaptive behaviours such as gambling, scavenging, hoarding, trickery, and theft. By overriding reason, compassion, and love, greed loosens family and community ties and undermines the bonds and values upon which society is built.”

It’s not a surprise that the negative effects of greed are exactly the opposite of the positive outcomes of generosity. It only confirms the Bible and what Jesus taught. It’s more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35) but the love of money (not the money themselves) is a root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10).

Generosity is able to destroy the impact of the devil.

You cannot truly enjoy what you possess if the only goal is to have more. There’s no better feeling than knowing that some of your money changed someone’s life for the better.

Final thoughts

We are not created to be selfish. We start falling apart as our main and only focus becomes self-preservation and wellbeing.

If you want to be great, be a servant. If you want to be rich, be a generous giver.

Does this actually work? Yes, but don’t give to get but to bless someone. The attitude shows the state of the heart and who we worship. Let’s not make the principle into an idol. God is our provider, not the principle.

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• Medium.com (the place where I post my stories first)
• Vocal Media
• Abundant Life Chronicles Blog

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