The Give And Take!

Sometimes we look at life and relationships in the sense of "give and take". What is often meant by that is sometimes we don't get our own way, but instead give in to what others want. There are times when this just happens, while at other times it may be negotiated. However, there is a TAKING and GIVING that are in quite contrast to each other. In fact, the contrast is actually of one taking away from life and relationships while the other builds them up. In general, TAKING is about me while GIVING is about others. Where is my focus? Where is yours?

When Paul discussed in his letter to the church at Ephesus the need to take off the old life (with its ungodly characteristics; Ephesians 4:25-31) and put on the new (with its godly essence; Ephesians 4:24), one concept relating to the contrast can be easily narrowed down to the focus of either TAKING or GIVING. Since we are "to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" ( Ephesians 4:24 ESV), do we perceive God as a TAKER or a GIVER? Certainly He is the only Being Who could rightfully take anything He wants since He is the Creator of it all. Still, has He not revealed Himself throughout time as being the GREATEST GIVER of all good things?

With regard to the thief, Paul urged. . .
"(28) Let the thief NO LONGER STEAL, but RATHER LET HIM LABOR, doing honest work with his own hands, so THAT HE MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO SHARE with anyone in need." ( Ephesians 4:28 ESV)

That is definitely a shift from TAKING to GIVING. It is also an indication that my work (the earning of an income to meet my needs) is not just about me, but also about others. There is the need to make an honest living with the responsibility to also share with those who are in need.

When I look at the list of things to put away from our life, most of them create life challenges because they arise more from self-centeredness than they do from other-centeredness. Paul also went on to mentioned the GIVING of gracious words (vs.29) and the GIVING of forgiveness (vs.32) with God as the standard for how much we are to forgive. And why not, since the new self is to be "after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness"! The bar has been raised high, but as we genuinely appreciate the greatness of GOD'S GIVING spirit, we are in turn to extend to others. May our GIVING reveal we do realize how much He has blessed and continues to bless us.

Have a great day LIVING THAT THE GODLY LIKENESS OF THE NEW SELF MAY BE REVEALED!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Giving