Echoing on yesterday's blog, Paul in Acts 20, talks to us about the whole giving vs receiving dynamic. Many times (over 600) in the Bible the theme about discovering the joy of giving of your time, talents, and treasures versus the trap of the love of money. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day drama, and to begin to measure success based on wealth, achievement, and status. Yet, true joy comes from looking at God's plan for our lives, and building a life of significance rather than success. I was reminded of this yesterday when I got three calls from three different people I've been involved in the lives of back in Atlanta these past three years.
Acts 20:30-50 (The Message)
29-31"I know that as soon as I'm gone, vicious wolves are going to show up and rip into this flock, men from your very own ranks twisting words so as to seduce disciples into following them instead of Jesus. So stay awake and keep up your guard. Remember those three years I kept at it with you, never letting up, pouring my heart out with you, one after another.
32"Now I'm turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends.
33-35"I've never, as you so well know, had any taste for wealth or fashion. With these bare hands I took care of my own basic needs and those who worked with me. In everything I've done, I have demonstrated to you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them. You'll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, 'You're far happier giving than getting.'"
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