Better to Give

After years of hearing and passing along the adage, "it's better to give than receive," for the first time in my life, I think I truly understand it. I'll admit, I have found my way onto Pinterest in the last month or so and do somewhat enjoy seeing all the crazy, amazing, and ridiculous pins all in one place. However, more and more I have been noticing stereotypically American/Western ideals embedded within the organization and use of the site. Common boards include those alluding to the future, such as a wedding boards belonging to single and engaged girls alike, those alluding to wishes and wants, and those listing things yet to be done or accomplished (i.e. Bucket Lists). The common thread here is the focus and collection of all things not presently had. The irony is that of all people in the world, relatively speaking we are the ones that already have the most. I have yet to encounter a board focusing on things people are thankful for (I'm guilty as well). But yes, I understand, that's not the point of the site and wanting or wishing for things or hoping to accomplish things are not bad by themselves. The problem I have with it is, as one can see from  spending a few sparse moments on the site, there are countless things posted and reposted constantly. In other words, there is always something more to find to add to a wish list or to do list. The way I see it, the more we do have, the more we want. So, back to the adage.

If the more we have, the more we want, is it true that the less we have, the less we want? If this is the case, the the more we give, the less we want. Now that could sound less than satisfying to some but consider the words Paul writes,

¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want...


¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.


(Philippians 4)


Paul, a man with experiences in being in need (much less want) and experiences in having plenty says that he has learned the secret of being content in both situations. In other words, what he had did not determine his level of contentedness. He relied on the Lord alone ("my God WILL meet ALL your needs") to look after his needs. But then if what you have does not change your level of contentedness, is giving really better than receiving gifts that God gives through his people? Well, maybe they are one in the same. Maybe giving is receiving–receiving joy, contentment, and encouragement. My goddaughter, Lihanimpo, that I am sponsoring has given me living proof of this. By sponsoring her, I have received so much more than I could ever give her. In lieu of this, I have decided to make an effort to view every relationship I have from a different perspective. What can I give? How can I show Christ's love through giving? How can I learn to be content in all situations despite being surrounded by so many things that beg to be wished for? Giving thanks. I shouldn't be thinking of all the things I will get from my career, or from a husband, or a friend. Instead, I should be thinking of what I can be giving (including thanks) in those regards. 


 ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

(1 Thessalonians 5)

So my resolve is this: instead of planning a future wedding with a yet to be found or non-existent future husband or cluttering a board with all the things I could just die for, I am going to give thanks in all things, give more than I receive (or buy!), and seek out meaningful goals for my life that aim to give rather than to get. This analogy from the book of Matthew is a straight-forward reminder of our commission to give, specifically to the least of these. 


Matthew 25:31-46

New International Version (NIV)

The Sheep and the Goats

    ³¹ “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. ³² All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³ He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.   ³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
   ³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
   ⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
   ⁴¹ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
   ⁴⁴ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
   ⁴⁵ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
   ⁴⁶ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

In the end, it is better to give than receive. Happy giving!