The Young, Saved, and Fly

To Whom Much is Given
Jeff Beckham

I woke up this morning and I thought about writing a blog about many different things. I wanted to write about forgivness or God’s call on our lives but when I began typing I kept hearing him say, “To Whom Much is Given Much is Required.” Today was one of those days where everything tried to prevent me from going to church. My clock didn’t go off, then my clothers weren’t ironed, and finally I even told myself that it was ok to miss today because I go every week. You know about those days, those days where you wake up and nothing is wrong you just struggle to find the motivation to go.

Then I heard God say, “get up and go even if you’re late.” He said, “haven’t I provided for you, haven’t I given you all you needed and you won’t go hear the word I have for you.” I got up and got dressed and made it in time to sit in the overflow room.”

When I arrived the preacher asked the congregation to open their bibles to 1 Samuel 25. It’s the story of David and the greedy man Nabal. David had been protecting Nabal’s men and his land. When David sent his servants to ask for food and water Nabal cursed David’s men and sent them back empty handed. When David heard he was incensed and gathered all his men to head down to kill Nabal and his household. Abigail, Nabal’s wife, got word and gathered a great feast. She got on the road and met David. When she met David and his army who were armed and ready to kill Nabal’s entire house including his servants and their family, she spoke wisdom to David. She kept him from shedding innocent blood and told David to let God handle Nabal. David’s anger subsided and he took her offering and went home. When Abigail went home Nabal was sloppy drunk having a great feast. She waited until the next morning to tell him what she had done. When she told him that she took food and offerings to David the Bible says Nabal’s heart turned to stone instantly and ten days later he died.

Giving is a Godly act. It’s something God asks us to do as people who believe in His Word. Whatever you sow that shall you also reap.

I must admit that for years I would rationalize giving. I would say Lord I have these bills and mortgages and God I just can’t afford it. As I grow in faith I understand that as long as I continue to rationalize my giving, God will ration His. You see he wants to see what we do with what we have now before he gives us our 3000 sheep, 30, 60, 100 fold blessings, or our millions. We pray for abundance but if we aren’t spiritually mature in the area of giving God will not give us the abundance we ask for. I know what you’re thinking though, “when I have more I can give more” but my life is a testimony that the more you get the more expenses you have and that unless you buckle down and begin to be obiedient in what God has asked of you the “more” won’t be enough either. I’ve seen it personally as God has tripled my salary in just 6 years yet on a persentage basis I was giving the same as I did when I was fresh out of college in 2003. Ten percent of out time, our resources, and our money is all God asks for. God will give it back to you. Don’t live with a heart of stone because tomorrow’s not promised. Make the most of today.