It called the open hand attitude, and it is simple. If you tightly clench your fist around what you have, it is difficult for what is in your hand, to be lost, or taken. But, at the same time, there is no way for anything to be added either. On the other hand (pun intended) when you hold loosely with an open hand, it is true that what is in your hand can be taken, or lost. But in the same way, more can be placed in that hand as well. That’s how it is with God. God has blessed us all, so that we can be a blessing to others. Whether we are talking about finances, or possessions, time, or talents, gifts and abilities, the truth is that God wants us to live life with an open hand attitude. To give of our finances, to bless others, to use our possessions to further His Kingdom, to offer our time to serve others, to use our talents, gifts and abilities to make the world a better place, and to bring glory to His name. Granted, when you give it away, you don’t have as much as you did before, but, we must never forget, it was never ours to begin with. God is the giver of all gifts, and He blesses us, so that through us, others will be blessed as well. But, the mystery of all this is that when we learn to give away our stuff, our time, our talents to be used by Him, we always seem to have more than enough. It’s like the farmer who was known for being generous, yet remained prosperous. His friends couldn’t understand how it worked, until one day, a friend finally asked him. “We can’t understand you. You give far more than any of the rest of us, and yet you always seem to have more to give.” The generous farmer replied, “Oh, that’s easy to explain. I keep shoveling into God’s bin, and God keeps shoveling back into mine. But God has a much bigger shovel.” Our God is a generous God, and we as believers are called to reflect His nature. Never forget, God loved us (you & me) so much that He was willing to GIVE His One and Only Son, to redeem us!
So, I want to invite you to join us at Antioch Christian Church this morning as we take our time, and give back to His Kingdom. Today is Be The ChURch Sunday. An opportunity for us as believers to not just GO to Church, but to BE the ChURch. (For those of you who think that I don’t understand that you only capitalize the first letter in words, that is intentional. ChURch is spelled that way, because YOU ARE, the ChURch!) So, come a little earlier; we will start at 9:30am, and join us as we package meals to go to our local food pantry, and to Haiti. It’s always a great morning of fellowship and service, and you will definitely leave feeling blessed! Hope to see you all there!