Don’t Give Up, Give More

Do you have misgivings about the state of our world today? If so, you are not alone. In 2023, Pew Research Center did a survey measuring people’s attitude about the future. They found that Americans were more pessimistic than optimistic about a variety of topics, ranging from the country’s moral and ethical standards to its education system, marriage and so much more. It would be really easy to allow all this gloominess to get to us. I’m not suggesting that we run around with fingers in our ears trying to pretend nothing bad is happening in our world. Rather, I would like to suggest that followers of Jesus have a special way of enduring through seemingly hopeless times. We don’t give up. We give more.  

ThanksGIVING
It’s easy to become pessimistic, especially after a few negative experiences and the anticipation of more on the way. We’ve all been there. We can effortlessly slip into a negative attitude, and than find it quite difficult to climb out. A proven alternative to gloominess is gratitude. Give more thanks! As the famous hymn encourages us, count your blessings. I often resist this remedy when I’m down in the dumps, probably because I know it will work! Acknowledging what God has given to us is an amazing exercise, especially if we slow it down and consider what each gift means to us. “Thank you God for ____.  Without your gift, I ____.” Try it, then try it again. While you’re at it, don’t forget God’s greatest gift, Jesus. Give pessimism the shove by giving more thanks. It works.    

GIVING what was GIVEN
Thanksgiving is just the beginning. Things really start to turn when we give away what has been given to us. This may seem counterintuitive. In uncertain times, our instinct is to preserve, to keep more, to build security by stockpiling our resources. Remember that everything we have and even our own lives are a gift from God. While it’s true that God gives us what we have so that we can live and thrive and supply for our families, God also asked His people to give 10% back for his purposes. Giving 10% back to God is a great rule of thumb for our whole lives. God gave you life. Use at least 1 hour of every 10 to be in God’s word, in worship or in service to others. Use the skills and talents God has given to you to bless the church in your own unique way. Finally, give of your income for the work of God’s church. Yes, 10%. If that’s a challenge, work up to it. Trust me, there is tremendous joy in giving. I have even heard it said, “Don’t give till it hurts. Give till it feels good!”    

ForGIVING
All this talk of giving would not be complete without the greatest gift, forgiveness. Our pessimistic culture encourages us to think the worst of people and hold deep grudges. This only serves to make us bitter, angry and even more cynical. As Christians, we can give what has been given to us. Forgiveness! Jesus’ death and resurrection has brought about God’s forgiveness for us. God no longer holds our sin against us. We know the power of this gift, so we need to give it away. Forgive others. I know this is not easy. It wasn’t easy for Jesus. Forgiveness doesn’t make the evil go away and it certainly doesn’t justify the wrongs people have done to you. Forgiveness releases us from the anger and the bitterness and replaces it with love. With hearts that are healing, perhaps the relationship can even be restored. 

So, don’t let this pessimistic world get you down.  Don’t give up.  Don’t give up on God and don’t give up on people. Give more… till it feels good.