Want more? Don’t we all? In our western society, we are bombarded with media that tells us we need more. I certainly get caught in the trap. I want more money. I want more opportunities for my kids. I want more time, more time with family, more time with friends. I could go on and on.
A few months ago, I heard this statement, “Whatever you want more of, give more of it away.” I’m pretty sure it was Pastor Rick Warren who said it. So, if you want more money, give more of it away. I have used that to generate more generosity. Whenever I find myself wanting more, I remind myself, “Want more–give more.”
2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:1-8 NIV).
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vein conceit. It is hard to keep selfishness at bay. I have to work at it regularly. In the Christian calendar, it is the season of Lent. It is a time of reflection and sacrifice as we prepare to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ. As I look inward, God is reminding me of places in my life where I can be more Christlike. It’s time for an attitude check. Do I want more? Yes. But, I want more so I can give more. That’s what I’m reminding myself. My wants are not for me per se. They are so I can give more everyday. Do I want to give more financially? Yes, but I also want to joyfully give my time and talents. That is when I really see God at work.
If we look for opportunities to give, we will find they are plentiful. We can give blood, work at the local food shelf, volunteer at a care center, and so much more. Will you join me in wanting more so you can give more? Will you join me in ridding ourselves of selfish ambition? We won’t regret it. We have a great role model to show us the way.
What are your success stories in giving more? Share here and we can encourage each other.