Give and Give

We've all heard the adage; "Give and take," and most would accept this as a healthy concept. What's not to like about it: You do something nice for someone and in return you take something back. While the world claims this is how people should deal with one another...a little for you and a little for me...this is contrary to the Spirit of God who believes you should simply give and serve with no regard of getting back.

When Jesus entered our world, He did so with a single purpose; He came as a servant to serve. Destined to do far more than shepherd and heal us, Jesus emptied himself of His eternal glory to serve our greatest need; to be our Savior and eternal groom.

Its easy for our hearts to accept we need a Savior. Before salvation the burden of sin weighs heavy on us and we rejoice over surrendering the load to Christ. The mind agrees as does the flesh with the heart and so a sinner accepts the grace of God: a modern bride is so willing to accept her groom's proposal, take his hand and repeat "I take thee to have and to hold."

As sinners headed for hell we have so much to gain in the marriage to the Son of God. We gain eternal life, the kingdom of heaven, the Holy Spirit, forgiveness. The list has no end. We, being the bride, come to the altar with nothing but our love and devotion, and our divine groom embraces us. For Christ is looking to the life long partnership, the relationship that will be built over years. The experiences ahead--both good and bad--when he will be able to shower you with love and comfort, peace and courage. He hopes for tender moments in the night when he will call you out under the stars to speak to your heart. He desires to be the arms you run to when you are broken or afraid. The Lord, wants to show us what a dependable and reliable Savior He is and looks forward to thrilling us with his provision. Our groom gives, and gives, and gives to his bride.

However, once the ceremony of salvation is done, the battle of old returns between the heart and its counterparts and Spirit within: the mind and will of a person struggle for control over our devotion. The heart--which at first is ready and willing to give anything righteous in love--begins to feel "safe" in their covenant marriage. Soon old self serving patterns of thinking taint their behavior towards their husband and the bride so willing to give, give, give begins to offer less and take more. All the while the flesh itches to be satisfied and pleasure becomes a focus rather than their pledge of allegiance and servant hood. Just as this culture is poisoned with divorce, so too is the church poisoned with self focused and self serving believers.

Oswald states that "Natural human love expects something in return." When we stop and consider this, will we not find it true? How do we respond when we give and are unappreciated? What thoughts come to mind of a person who takes and takes and never reciprocates? Chances are, in such situations, we pull back our giving and some times we file for divorce and seek to give elsewhere. Why? Because we as a people do not like to give and not get in return.

Tragically, many only give in order to manipulate a favor in return. Sometimes we give looking for: acceptance, honor, forgiveness, or out of competition. Our country's government is run on this very concept; You grease my palm, I'll grease yours. However, the principle God set for marriage is modeled in two commands;

"Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church..."(Ephesians 5:22-23NIV). Love for our spouse should compel us to give generously.

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless," (Ephesians 5:25-27 NIV).

Jesus no doubt will fulfill his role and continue giving to His bride. Hopefully, the church will see the error of her ways and once more give her heart over.

Oswald points out the victory the apostle Paul had over a self focused nature. "But Paul is saying, 'It doesn't really matter to me whether you love me or not. I am willing to be completely destitute anyway; willing to be poverty-stricken, not just for your sakes, but also that I may be able to get you to God...His idea is that we serve Him by being the servants of others." When we give to others we give to Jesus and thereby honor our groom.

The message Oswald wants to convey is a message many don't want to hear. We like our comfortable lives, and cushy pews. We like taking all that the church can give: services, support, fellowship, entertainment and now refreshments. However, budgets will show that the church is filled with more takers than givers. The self-centered bride of Christ believes giving to God is an option, though His Word says we "rob" Him if we hold back our tithe. Thus, ministries limp along unable to find servants willing to hold babies, run Sunday school classes, minister to youth or mentor young adults. We love coming to church and seeing friends, singing songs, hearing a good message (as long as it doesn't convict too much or take too long), and we leave full and content: on to our busy, busy, busy lives which have little if no room to give to God.

The Church has become a greedy, self centered bride...a body of takers which looks nothing like her Savior, a groom who gave His own life for her. Is it any wonder the world mocks us or despises our evangelism? In many ways the Church is only a message and not an example of a righteous union or way of life. Simply put, we do not model a happy spiritual marriage.

An insightful pastor once said in one of his sermons; our check book will tell us where are heart is. We know this is true and we may even feel the bite of conviction over our own taking and giving relationship with the LORD. Regardless of where we stood on this yesterday, let us be encouraged. We can resolve to joyfully give generously and move closer to God in this area of our life today! Blessings beyond measure await the faithful wife! God's principle on giving will not fail: give to God ten percent of your time, talent and treasure and he will return to you effectively ten times your investment in the kingdom. Our God can not lie, therefore, we have absolutely nothing to lose in the deal.

When we give, all we can to God, He will give, give, give, give, give,give, give, give,give,GIVE back to us.

The alarms are sounding all around. Church wake up! Signs of the Lord's return are all around the body. It's time to recommit our hearts to our groom. It's time to serve our heavenly husband with passion. It's time to give Him our very best. His word warns us He will separate the sheep--which follow His commands--from the ornery goats--which kick up their hooves and ram in total rebellion. Jesus, himself, questioned the heart of his bride;

"However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

In the words of Charles Stanley; "I pray the Holy Spirit will sink this message deep into the heart of every believer," and compel the bride of Christ to remember her vows: to love, honor, cherish and obey, until death does she depart...in glory.