Essence Of Living!

How might our life be pictured if we had the money to live anyway and anywhere we wanted? For someone to look at us and say, “They’re living the life”, what would that look like? Being served? Being pampered? A life of ease? Would that really be “THE LIFE!”? Would we truly find joy in such living?

Someone has said, “To love and to labor is the sum of life; and yet, how many think they are living who neither love nor labor!” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie] I recently heard someone express the similar concept very simply with the words: “You’re not living if you’re not giving!” That statement was actually made by someone who had lost much through fire and then theft, and yet were still trying to maintain a focus on helping others. The opposite of GIVING LIVING would be what is called a “leach” or a “parasite” that sustains its life only through drawing from the life of others.

What really marks a GENEROUS spirit? Is it solely linked to having much to give? I don’t believe so! I see true GENEROSITY as really being measured by what we are doing with what we have presently rather than what we think we’d do if we had more. Is that not the principle reflected in Jesus’ compliment of the widow who gave her last two coins in contrast with those who were giving out of their abundance? ( Mark 12:41-44 & Luke 21:1-4) Jesus noted her as being more GENEROUS than all the others! ( Mark 12:43)

In his first letter to Timothy (who was in Ephesus, a city of wealth which probably meant there were a number of wealthy individuals in the church there) Paul urged him to exhort the rich toward GENEROUS LIVING!

We read…
“(17) As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. (18) They are to DO GOOD, to be RICH IN GOOD WORKS, to be GENEROUS AND READY TO SHARE, (19) thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they MAY TAKE HOLD OF THAT WHICH IS TRULY LIFE.” ( 1 Timothy 6:17-19 ESV)

GENEROUS LIVING! GIVING LIVING! Living that leads toward the taking hold of that which is life indeed!
“Not living if not giving!” Perhaps Jesus could have said those words. He certainly exemplified the concept in His walk on earth. ( Matthew 20:28 & Mark 10:45) Do they sound like words that could have come from the mouth of Paul? His life too was marked by a centered focus on what He was willingly striving to do for others. (note 2 Corinthians 12:15 & Philippians 1:22-25) Wherever we are may it be the picture of our life as well!

Have a great day EXPERIENCING THE WEALTH THAT BRINGS LASTING JOY!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Giving