Verse to Remember: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21 (NIV)
Question to Consider: What does my giving say about the direction and question of my heart?
[Read More] thoughts on Day 39 of Rick Warren’s 40 Days of Community.
Which I think apply to much more than financial transfers. In particular, I am curious how what is sometimes called the “implicit indirect implication” principle might illuminate blockages to giving. That is, if I am not giving joyfully (action) in a particular area, it could well mean that I:
Actually,
those propositions — and various permutations thereof — all reinforce each
other. The question is then, “How do we unwind the stack?” I believe it has to start with intentions (since that is the only part of ourselves we can directly control). That is:
I realize this may appear backward from the usual formulation. But, even though our intentions are typically supported by reason, sometimes it is necessary for intention to deliberately guide our reason, because reason by itself is never enough. But that’s a whole ‘nother blog…
Of course, that’s just how I deal with myself. God can (and does) deal with me directly through my emotions, and other people can help provide reasons. But, ultimately, I must choose. There’s always a choice.
Prayer: Father, I want to choose to believe you. I choose to give myself to you and those I love. Help me to lay down my life for my wife, and my church. I want to see your hand of blessing and provision strengthen my faith, but I know that can only happen if I let go of my complacent self-sufficiency and take risks. Open my eyes and my heart — for the past, present and future — that I may truly know your reality. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.