What Did You Get Out of Church Today (and Other Entitlements)?

‘Your attitude should the same as that of Christ Jesus.’ Paul commanded the Philippian church. Jesus left HIs eternal might and glory behind and humbled Himself—became human, then a servant who died serving resolutely. Who would really do such a thing?

Us.

Church was never about ‘what can I get out of it’, but what God gave me to bless God’s people—just like Jesus did. He made us to be gushing fire-hydrants—not sponges. He made us to be just like Jesus. My heavenly friend, Gayle Erwin, put it like this:

If you wish to reduce characteristics to the simplest terms, God is a giver and Satan is a taker. Jesus describes Satan and his ilk in stark terms: thief, killer, destroyer. Mindsets and even religions built around such greed and taking simply declare who their father and god truly is.

On the other hand, look at the true God’s characteristics:

‘God so loved the world that he gave….’
‘I will give you the keys to the kingdom….’
‘…I will give you rest.’
‘…whatever is right I will give you.’
‘…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.’
‘To give knowledge of salvation….’
‘To give light to those who sit in darkness….’
‘…I give you the authority….’
‘…how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit (Also, ‘good things’) to those who ask Him!’
‘…whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.’
‘…everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you….’
‘And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.’
‘…He will give you another Helper….’
‘My peace I give to you…’
‘…you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’
‘…abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness.’
‘…the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.’
‘Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!’
‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights….’
‘For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God….’
‘…to many blind He gave sight.’
‘He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.’
‘…gave Himself a ransom for all….’

Overwhelming, isn’t it.

God did not approach this world with an offer to negotiate, only to give. The very nature of our Lord who so freely gave to us, prompts, even demands, that we continue in that spirit.

‘Freely you have received, freely give.’
‘As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another….’
‘He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude.’

Generosity will always guide the heart of the follower of Jesus….

Now, go give ’em heaven…

—j