Got any spare change?

2 Corinthians: ¹³ Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. ¹⁴ At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, ¹⁵ as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”

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My first assignment downtown was an eye-opener. As I stepped off the train I found myself marching to the rhythm of the massive crowd migrating toward my destination. Amongst the flurry of activity of taxis, coffee shops and traffic I heard a voice, “got any spare change?” Of course I do was my first response and I donated gladly.

Days, months and years into the routine my zeal for giving turned into a critical statement. “Look at them… I bet they are using the money for drugs or alcohol. I’m not giving my hard earned money to them.” Then it hit me, I forgot to make my reservations in the three star hotel for our vacation. Three stars instead of five kept me humble right?

• Many times I avoid people in need.
• Many times I avoid direct contact with someone who wants something because I think I don’t have enough to give.
• Many times I rationalize not giving and wind up using the money on myself.

It is extremely easy to avoid giving. In fact the more I had the easier it was to avoid seeing people who truly needed my help. I found myself in conversations with people discussing wine cellars and humidors when at one point I didn’t even know what those things were. Lavish vacations were quite enjoyable BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD says “The poor you will always have” and HE desires I seek to serve when I’m wealthy or be served when I’m poor.
• GOD says “When you serve someone a cup of water you have served ME” so HE wants me to seek other to serve.
• GOD says “Show and share your talents and I will give you more” which means HE will give as long as I’m willing to give.

GOD isn’t looking to make me wealthy just to be a snob, HE wants me to give when I have plenty and if HE takes my wealth away HE wants me to accept gifts from others. Humility in giving and accepting gifts is GOD’s balance.

• Are you nervous about giving?
• Do you think you don’t have enough to give?
• Are you hoarding money for yourself or are you purposefully seeking opportunities to give?
• Does GOD want you to give to “that” person today?