Generosity, oh yes :)

I'm always trying to better myself, but at the same time be less self-absorbed. (Is that a contradiction?) I love what I read in word for today... "You don't have more problems than everyone else... you just think about them more"!. Well here's some bible verses I have been trying to put into practice, and a story to back it up. 2 Corinthians 9 verse 6 "He who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously will also reap generously and with blessings." 2 Corinthians 8 verse 11 " (give)... according to your ability and means. For if the eager readiness to give is there, then it is acceptable and welcomed in proportion to what person has, not according to what he does not have"

Here's the story:

While I have started tring to put these verses into practice, seems like God is dealing with others over the same issue as well. XXXX (nameless) from my church shared a story where they are pretty broke right now, but someone in need came to their door so she gave them a dozen eggs. And who came knocking at their door that day? Someone asking if they needed a dozen eggs. Then they shouted thier son's friend a takeaway meal, and who comes knocking on their door ? Someone giving them a spare takeaway meal. Now she reckons she's looking at what else she can give away!

Now I've been told to take these verses carefully. Be senseble and don't fall for "prosperity teaching". Being a christian doesn't guarantee a problem free life etc, etc etc. But I just thought to myself.. those verses are pretty clear! If they're not true, why are they in there??

Anyhow. My point is I gave up worrying about my future and the fear I have that I'll be eating dog food when I'm old coz it's cheaper, and hoarding every penny I get, living with a miserly attitude, and decided to put this backward economy into practice. Now, it's not a complete jump of faith, as in New Zealand we have the pension for 65 year olds, but things have really started looking good financially for me right now. I don't want to look to God as a cash cow, but it seems like He's good for his word.

It's a fine line though. I don't want to start giving just with the thought that I'll get even more! But there is freedom in taking the grip off a worry and handing it over to God.