Today on a radio talk show I heard a girl call in to mention what she is doing to help residents in Louisiana who have been harmed by hurricane Ida. The host asked her how old she is and why she is doing that. She replied that she is nine years old and she is motivated to help because, “my heart is full.”
I was touched by her humble testimony. What an great reminder that we are blessed by God to be a blessing. This young girl already understands the glorious paradox of giving. When you give, you receive. For anyone who trusts and obeys God, as you selflessly give out the time, talents, treasure, and virtues God pours into you, he fills you with more of himself and guides into giving again. As you repeat this pattern, God not only blesses others through you, but he transforms you into the likeness of Jesus so you can develop into all God designed for you to be as his son or daughter. That is awesome!
To enter God’s kingdom and grow in your fellowship with him you must have faith like a child. A faith that is humble, sincere, accepting of others, willing to serve, hopeful, loyal, trusting, and obedient. Jesus’ disciples once asked him who is the greatest in the kingdom of God. Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:1-5). Don’t let life’s worries and responsibilities keep you from joyfully giving and receiving like a child. The apostle Paul wrote to believers in Corinth who were considering how to help others in need, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Prayerfully and thankfully approach each day. Then be open for God to give through you to others.
As you do, examine your priorities. From day-to-day where do you focus your efforts and resources? On yourself, on others, on God? When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus answered, “‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” (Matthew 12:29-31). You will find your most important mission, you most engaging adventure, and your most blessed opportunity in pleasing God and sharing him with others. Like the kind girl on the radio, I encourage you, as well as myself, to joyfully submit ourselves to bringing God glory by following Jesus’ loving example and laying down our lives for others so they can hear God’s truth, experience his salvation, and grow in relationship with him. God enables you to do it, just trust and obey him like a child.