The Odd Effect of Giving
God teaches us to do “odd things” sometimes, things that seemingly will not work, but, when practiced, they do.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35) is one of them. Giving means that one is willing to impoverish oneself to alleviate another’s need. How can a state (or a threat) of poverty to be “blessed” (happy) thing? Isn’t it a bad thing, to go without?
Isn’t it more fun to receive blessings? Aren’t our children happy, when they receive gifts at different times throughout the year?
Jesus’ words don’t look good on the ledger book. A company is happy, when it realizes a “profit” over the course of a year, and the numbers have to be there! Isn’t the same true for an individual? If “happiness” is defined as amassing and acquiring things, then, “yes.”
If one is looking for lasting happiness, then, “no.” Money and things do not last long; must my happiness be also so shortchanged?
There’s an odd thing about money and things. When they are given away to help another fellow human, a deeper joy develops. One is getting out of helping himself (a small goal in life), and is stepping into a bigger world of helping others. One’s usefulness climbs exponentially! One feels better about himself.
In describing the many purposes of the gift he was collecting amongst Gentile Christians for Jewish Christians, Paul cited “equality.” (II Cor. 8:14): “…that your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack.” Their gift would satisfy many needs, which would cause many thanksgivings (II Cor. 9:12). We can understand that part!
What about that second part? Here it is: Their abundant happiness and thanksgiving would do something for the Corinthian givers: It would erase their lack! What were they lacking? Joy! Getting out of oneself, and helping a cause bigger than oneself creates joy. They would feel better about being useful. It would do them well to receive the praise and thanksgiving of a grateful people. They would feel better about themselves. They would be reflecting the heart of God.
Can money buy happiness? Only if it is given away by a grateful giver. Maybe that’s why God is so happy; He keeps giving out of His storehouse to mankind, whom He loves so much!
