GREED VS GENEROSITY

Greed acts from within, invading our thoughts and then taking up residence in a discontented heart as it opens the door for other deadly sins. Proverbs 4 : 23 issues a clear warning when it says: "Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do" (NLT). Greed and honesty cannot exist in the same heart and God wants us to be generous and give with an honest heart.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 King James Version (KJV) says
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

To give with integrity is to give the right thing at the right time, to the right person for the right reason (1 Chronicles 29 : 17, NCV). The reason for giving should always originate in love - God's love - a love that has been given to us in order for us to give it away in His name. The circle of giving is a circle of love and it all started with God when He gave His one and only Son, Jesus Christ.

We simply cannot out-give God! I have heard it said that the Lord loves a cheerful giver. It said that plenty of people are willing to give God credit but few are willing to give Him cash. The truth is that the Father looks past the gift and examines the heart behind the gift. The motive of the heart determines the acceptability of the gift. Stay blessed as you strife towards a honest heart!

Prayer: Father, my heart and life are so often filled with greed and discontent. Right now, I choose to take my eyes off of "things" and focus on what You want for my life. Thank You for all that You have given to me. In Jesus Namr