Appetite For A Higher Purpose!

The statement has been expressed that “Unhappiness is the hunger to ‘get’ while TRUE HAPPINESS is the hunger to ‘give’.” [original source unknown] What marks our appetite? Do we have a craving for getting or for giving?

Those who are intent on getting never seem satisfied with what they get. They are always looking for the next thing to gain; something bigger or better or just to have more. Because of how they focus on what they have it is not easy to give. In fact Solomon described it as a very unhappy experience for the “stingy” because, though they may invite, they are “inwardly calculating” what it is costing them and their heart is not with those who receive. ( Proverbs 23:6-7)

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon described this worldly challenge as follows:
“He who loves money WILL NOT BE SATISFIED with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.” ( Ecclesiastes 5:10 ESV)

And…
“All toil of man is for his mouth, yet HIS APPETITE IS NOT SATISFIED.” ( Ecclesiastes 6:7 ESV)

There is nothing wrong with having possessions. However, there is a greater benefit and purpose than in just possessing them. As Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus he encouraged laboring in honest work in order to “have something to share with anyone in need.” ( Ephesians 4:28 ESV) Appreciating what we have and recognizing the highest purposes for which we possess it will make a dynamic difference in our disposition in life.

In Paul’s farewell address to the Ephesian elders he stated…
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE.’” ( Acts 20:35 ESV)

Paul also noted the spirit God seeks when he wrote…
“Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER.” ( 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV)

Does sharing what we have with others put a frown or a smile on our face? Are we reluctant to part with what we have? Do we offer to others while secretly calculating the cost? Or are we instead experiencing the GREAT JOY of giving? Is our heart made HAPPY when helping others. Do we find ourselves to be very CHEERFUL when charitable opportunities arise? Let us recognize the highest purpose for the blessings we have received as we willingly become the hands of God in sharing with others.

Have a great day EXPERIENCING THE HAPPY HEART OF HELPING OTHERS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Giving