Divine Economics

Keep in order to have more. Have more to enjoy more. Enjoy more to live your greatest life … or not. Proverbs 11:24 says, “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” In God’s economy when you give you grow richer and when you keep you suffer. Now, this isn’t to ignore the Biblical commands to be wise stewards, plan for the future, or provide for those under your care. But it is to say … or maybe ask – “Would people describe you as a generous giver?” As a young man I remember thinking – “when I have more, I’ll give more”, until I realized the subjective nature of that thinking, the selfish nature of that thinking, and the pure unbiblical error of that thinking. God has a design for our flourishing, and in His way of doing things, generosity is the key to ultimate satisfaction. Here’s how: 

(1)   It keeps our grip on the things of the world loose and our hands open to receive.

(2)   It trains our heart to trust God and not ourselves.

(3)   It guards our heart against unrighteous gain, covetousness and greed.

(4)   It roots fulfillment in the joy of seeing God provide through us to others.

(5)   It makes God our “Plan A, B, and C” rather than our own “backup plans”.

(6)   It directs disciples to Kingdom investments and radical sacrifice. 

How have you seen God train your heart in generosity? Where have you been ministered to by the generous heart of others? What holds you back from “giving freely to grow all the richer”? What might God call you to do today that would demonstrate your heart and bank account belong to God and that His Divine Economics are the math you trust?