Spring is coming and the desire to get outside is growing stronger and stronger. The time to plant is upon us and many are ready to get the fields prepared and the seeds in the ground. As for our home, we have worked hard in the past to have a garden only to see it taken over by the deer and raccoon population in our area! It can be a little frustrating to work hard and see it all taken away. For us to have the garden we want, it looks like we are going to have to give a little more to the effort; at the top of the list would be fencing! Of course, that takes time, effort, and money; some would ask, “Why even try – just buy what you need.?”
If would be easy to just quit but there’s something about sowing and watchin it grow – watching it produce – and then having the produce for ourselves and maybe even enough to give to others. There’s satisfaction in work and giving of our time to then be able to gain from our labor – and then, there’s and even greater gain to be able to give.
Paul knew about others giving to his mission work. The Philippians knew that they have had gained from his dedication and then knew they needed to (and wanted to) give back. “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.” – Philippians 4:15. Paul commended them for giving when others had not. We do not know necessarily what they gave or how much but we know they wanted to and Paul appreciated their efforts.
You and I, as Christian, can grow in our spiritual realm and then begin to give of ourselves as never before – we can give of our time, our talent and even our treasure and then see the results of doing so. God gave to us so we too should give back to Him by giving to others and to His house. But, we have to have a desire to do so: “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7.
Set your heart to give and watch what God can do. But, do not expect a return; just give of what you have and what you are able and God will do the rest.