A Look In The Mirror

Leaven

There is depth and breadth to what God achieves through Christian Giving. One of the first things He does is to present us an opportunity to examine ourselves and what we feel about our relationship. How we feel about the opportunity to give reveals whether we are only motivated by external instruction or are also responding to our heart for the relationship.

It was my birthday. My wife, sons and I were sitting in our family room, and I was preparing to open the gifts they had given. My youngest son was five years old at the time. He was very excited and full of anticipation. As I began to unwrap a present, he ran to me and asked, "Dad, would you open mine first?" How could I refuse? Opening his gift, I discovered that he had given me a battery-powered Gillette razor. Bursting with joy, he explained, "Dad, you need this. This razor has five blades, and your old razor only has four." Then he added a surprising request, "Dad, can I watch you use it?" I thanked my son for his gift and then explained that it was evening and that I usually shaved early in the morning. He could watch me then. That son was the first to awaken the next morning. Running to my bedside, he again requested, "Dad, can I watch you use it?" I immediately arose, lathered my face and began to shave. As he watched with sparkling eyes, he had never seemed happier or more fulfilled. His love was evident by his actions and the joy that beamed from his face.

My son's approach to giving to me made me wonder, when God presents opportunities for me to give, how often do I exhibit my son's sense of joy, his sense of excitement, his sense of anticipation for the benefit my giving might yield. Those are good questions to ask. Sometimes looking in the mirror is difficult, but it can help us see what's really there. God already knows.

Opportunity for Growth & Change

Take time to consider what you feel when opportunities to give present themselves. Prayerfully look in the mirror and ask whether you are comfortable with what you see.