What’s the best gift you have ever received? Conversely, what’s the very best gift you have ever given? Which means more to you today? Do you expectantly wait at birthdays or Christmas pondering what wonderful surprise you may receive or do you get more joy from thoughtfully contemplating the perfect gift for your loved one?
There’s a story about a young man named Tom, who receives a new car as a gift from his brother. A kid on the street sees the car and asks, “Hey mister, is that yours?”
“Yes, my brother gave it to me for Christmas.”
The amazed kid responded, “He gave it to you and it didn’t cost you nothing?”
Then the kid said, “Boy I wish…” and Tom thought he knew what he was going to say, but was astonished to hear the street kid say, “I wish I could be a brother like that.”
In Acts 20:35 Paul reminds us about giving. “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’”.
God has certainly been generous to us. He provides our daily needs. He listens and comforts us with His Word. God cares enough to give us His very best, His son, who died on the cross to forgive our sins, restore our covenant with God, and prepare a place for us in Heaven.
As we move through the year, what are ways that we can demonstrate that same spirit of generosity? It could be in the well thought out gifts we give to family and friends. Returning to ministry from the abundance we have received would certainly qualify. Maybe it could be lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need, stopping to assist the person struggling with a task, or just a friendly smile to the stranger we encounter at the store.
You can make a difference in the lives of countless people. It doesn’t need to be expensive. Be creative and share the love of God with the people He places in your life.
We invite you to partner with Church Extension Fund to help Build the Kingdom. That could be as a CEF Rep in your congregation, sharing the 120-year story of serving the Michigan District or by investing with CEF as we plan for the future. We look forward to serving with you.
Bill Burmeister
Church Extension Fund – Michigan District
800-242-3944 bill.burmeister@mi-cef.org