The Gift of Return

Civilization is an interesting study as you look at history. Most empires last for several hundred years or less and then decay for one reason or another, but it's mostly because of corruption from within. We are seeing some of this happen within our own empire of democracy. We see how democracy gives the individual a powerful tool to express freedom and opportunity to create wealth for generations. The problem with any freedom that unless it is tied to some kind of spiritual foundation, it can quickly turn into greed.

The Madoff family is a perfect example of this kind of opportunity, and greed. What started out as an investment opportunity turned quickly into a scheme to defraud people of their life savings. Jesus said that you can not serve two masters, God and mammon. The riches of this world is the one hook the Devil has to lure us away from God and corrupt our hearts with the greed to have more.  Few people who have resources can handle the power those resources bring, and still serve God.  When you meet people who do use their talents to create wealth and use it for the Kingdom of God, it is a wonderful blessing, and great things can be done for God. 

However, as James tells us, with the power of wealth comes the expectation of privilege and getting one's own way. Working with many rich people over the years on projects, I have found that there comes a perception that their ways are the only ways, and since they are contributing or funding the project they win. I understand the reasoning here, but is it a god like expectation?   If I  possess a talent that is better than another, does that make my talent privileged?  Should I get the advantage over others with the same talent, or do I consider my talent a gift from God and use it to serve others without an expectation for privilege? 

Wealth or talent or whatever God gives to us as an opportunity, can easily be turning into a self serving privilege which can rob us of the true gift God gives to us. All opportunities, including the ability to create wealth needs to be given back to God for Him to use in a way that can influence our generation for Christ. 

Returning the gift God gives to us is an important step in keeping mammon from ruling over us. If it is returned to God, then He is in charge of the distribution and management of the gift He initially gives to us.

Privilege is a quest for purpose, for happiness, for influence, and for control. Jesus said, deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow Him, was the formula for successful living. 

Over the years I complained about not having enough money to pay my bills, and blamed the ministry for some of the lack of resources. However as I have aged, I realized that God has shaped me both in character and attitude to bring to me all I need to live a satified and rewarding life. Privilege isn't the goal of living, it's service, and God rewards those who seek Him first in all aspects of living. It is through the process of return that He uses the opportunities for us distribute His grace for the common good of others.  

Think about the gift of return in your own life....today.

Keeping it honest and truthful....K