Wisdom Gives To Others

The class warfare that is polarizing our society is not between the poor and the rich, but between the givers and the takers. The takers are always complaining that they are not getting enough of something, and they are never satisfied. Most of them plan to vote for John Kerry, because he is promising to take something from someone else and give it to them. Meanwhile the givers are always the objects of envy by the takers, because the givers often have more than the takers, as they have been blessed by giving. People who give to others find satisfaction in life, while those who focus on what they can get selfishly miss out on living a fulfilling life. Serving brings blessings, while selfishness brings destruction.

Jesus said that it is more blessed to give than to receive, Acts 20:35. This becomes a test of faith, because those who believe these words of Jesus have a wise self-interest in being givers. We give because we want to be blessed, following the teaching of Jesus to store up treasure in heaven by doing good works on earth. We also give because we are concerned about other people, as a result of having experienced God’s love for us in Jesus Christ.

Yet many people are still convinced that the way to approach life is to try to grab all the pleasures and comforts they can for themselves. This is a sure way to dissatisfaction, because one is never satisfied with acquiring things. But giving brings fulfillment. Look at the people around you, and see who is more blessed; the selfish or the sharing, the takers or the givers?

Many people would like to give something to Jesus, but just don’t know how. The big name TV gospel entertainers suggest sending money to them, promising a handsome return. Well, by the way many of them dress and live, it seems that they are not giving away much of what they get. Are they givers or takers? Many are takers, if we examine their lives closely. They take money from the poor and elderly, from the lonely, and use it to enrich their own lives with baubles.

Jesus said that we give to him by doing good deeds. He gives a list in Matt 25:34-36: "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'” NIV

It seems that if we have godly wisdom, we will be found doing good things for people who are helpless. There is one good rule to follow: Matt 7:12, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” NIV

My mother was a giver. Even though she reared six children, growing up in a small log cabin up in Bass Hollow, wearing hand-me-downs and eating what we grew, mother was always helping other people. She helped because she cared about people. When I think of my mother, I feel guilty about my own lack of concern for the problems of others. I am almost a hermit, staying to myself, and somewhat oblivious of the problems that are all around. I hope that my writing is helpful to some, but it is not one of the things listed in Mat 25. There is something fundamentally good about helping people with the basic life necessities. I wish to honor all who help those in need. You are wise.

My wife is a giver, and I wish to honor her. Mother, grandmother, friend, companion, caregiver, Christian, and much more; may her tribe increase. It is wise and rewarding to be a giver.

Randolph Gonce, 276 Co Rd 56, Stevenson, AL