A Guide to Health

by Tim Howard

When the topic of the American economy and the economic stability of our nation is broached, most would agree these are challenging times. There is a sense of powerlessness when it comes to the multi-Trillion dollars of debt we carry as a nation and the projected 23+ Trillion dollar debt by 2019. It is enough to cause fear and insecurity in any person who is trying to make ends meet. When that happens there is a tendency to hold on to what we have, stop giving to others and put a moratorium on all outflow.

Many, however, have decided to remain faithful to the giving principles taught in the Bible and I too want to be among them. I have visited impoverished countries in the past and even though they have far less than most in America, many haven’t lost their spirit of generosity.

The Bible gives at least 10 reasons why we should give at any time and in all times. If I were to note them in a top ten list they would look something like this:

10. You will receive a REWARD. It may not be the highest motivation but Luke 6:38 reveals you will receive back a great increase whenever you give. We should guard ourselves against a selfish bent toward life but at the same time not despise the reward that is offered.

9. You have a RESPONSIBILITY or to put it another way, you ought to give something. People who take but don’t give back develop an unhealthy lifestyle and perspective. It does more harm than help.

8. The Bible clearly TEACHES the principal of giving. Phil. 2:4 Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and the needs.

7. It is BETTER to give than to receive. Jesus said that and many have experienced the reality of this truth.

6. Giving puts FEET to your faith. Too many people profess one thing but practice something totally different. When you give to others, you are putting your money where your mouth is. Check out James 2:18. It’s one thing to espouse a certain philosophy but much more difficult to live it out. One person said it is easier to make someone think you are great than to actually be great. Jesus said if you really want to be great, be a server - give!

5. Giving brings BALANCE. Those who give are blessed because they give and those who receive are blessed because they have their needs met.

4. It provides an OPPORTUNITY for God to move. When you give to a person in need, you release ministry to happen.

3. It MIRRORS God to people. You can’t read the Bible without seeing God as a giver and no one will ever give back to him or others more than He has given to them.

2. God absolutely LOVES it. He loves a cheerful giver. I can identify with that. A tremendous joy comes to me whenever I see my children giving to others and helping people.

1. God has DEMONSTRATED so much grace that we would be remiss if we didn’t pass some of it on.

I grew up with a sense of right and wrong but very little explanation as to why I should do the right thing. God has a reason for every commandment He gives to us. When He says to GIVE, it’s not because He needs your money but because He wants you to be healthy.

Why not check out one of the many church families in Kings County this weekend and give God some of your time.