Beyond Blessed

Never forget how blessed you are. Never forget how much you have to give. Don't feel guilty for the circumstances you have been born into, don't belittle the struggles you face. But never forget. Put your problems in perspective. We constantly have money struggles- the car is having problems, student loans need to be paid, groceries are costly- but in reality, if you are reading this, you are probably in the top 8% of the world's wealthiest people. Your basic needs are provided for. That in itself is pretty amazing. Don't lose yourself in "rich people" problems...it's all too easy. When we recognize this epidemic, and realize the absurdity of the things we spend our time worrying over....well, it all seems pretty silly. You are BEYOND blessed...let's live in gratitude for ALL that God has given us and live with a generous spirit. Because the truth is....

It's Not Ours.

None of it. The money, the wealth, the job, the income, the opportunities. 

We only have what God has chosen to give us. It is HIS. All of it. Yes, there are many people who work hard for what we have. And that is commendable. But still... we would never even have that opportunity if it weren't for the circumstances God has placed us in -Right? 

...and I have a feeling He didn't give us wealth to hoard it. To simply enjoy it. He trusts you with much so that you can give much. Whether you can give $5 or $500 dollars, your time, your gifts, your talents...stop holding back the things you were never meant to keep to yourself. 

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:20)

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:11). 

Command those who are rich ... to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand (1 Chronicles 29:14)

One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty (Proverbs 11:24)