“Give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38 NASB)
We have all known some twins in our lifetime; Joyce and Loyce, Edward and Esther, Joanne and John, Michelle and Michael, Tom & Dick, and the list goes on. As we were growing up twins seemed inseparable. When you saw one twin, you saw the other. The family photo album at their homes was filled with pictures of the twins. Inseparable!
There is a set of inseparable twins in the opening passage today. One twin is named “Give” and the other is named “Get.” Jesus used them in what we classify as a proverbial, profound, and pure principle. Many times, this statement about these inseparable twins is used at offering time to supplement the congregation’s singing of, “You Can’t Beat God’s Giving,” it is used at times to sustain the Deacon’s reading of another passage that lets us know that God loves a cheerful giver.
However, today, let’s look at this verse and the inseparable twins from a different perspective. Yes, it is a proverbial statement that might, and I say “might” increase giving on a particular Sunday. But I ask, “Haven’t the people already made up in their minds what they are going to give, as instructed in the word?” The tithers will tithe, those who look at Jesus who gave His all will give beyond ten percent, and the tight pocket people will still be tight in their turning over their offering; offering, not tithe. Maybe the latter forgot who blessed them and brought then thus far, so far. Well, of course there will still be people who have not changed in giving, and no matter what you do to motivate them to give, and they will habitually drop a little change. Now, for the ones like the poor widow described in Mark’s gospel that put in two small copper coins, the smallest of coins worth very little; the woman who gave her little, gave from her heart, and gave in sincerity, that’s alright. That’s not who I was referring to in the latter example. Just to be clear. For Jesus teaches us, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury, for they all put in our of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty put in all she owned, all sha had to live on.”
Yet, getting back to our opening verse, know that it goes beyond the giving of tithes, talents, and time. All that is good, but the verse, like I said, goes beyond those acts when it speaks of the inseparable twins. This verse is not only painting an image of a container of grain being filled to the brim and running over the edge, pointing to what our liberality should be like.
Yes, this verse can profit the person who desires to “get,” but is stingy in when asked to “give.”. But it does beyond that in regard to the inseparable twins! Let me explain with just a few examples. If you want to “get” more kindness shown to you, you “give” by showing kindness. If you want to “get” more good friends, you “give” by being a good friend to others. If you want to “get” more meaningful and truthful compliments, then you “give” by being more significant and straightforward compliments to others. If you want to “get” your spouse to be more loving, then you “give” by being more loving. If you want to “get” ahead in life, you must “give” by being devoted and diligent in doing what it takes to move ahead.
One more example, and it does go back to our giving of tithes and offerings. If you want to “get” the Lord to open up the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing until it overflows, then you “give” by bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse. Sorry friend! I couldn’t leave that one out.
Don’t forget the inseparable twins, “Give” and “Get.” If you have a problem giving or if you react to this meditation like the Pharisees who often got upset when Jesus taught in an effort to bring about change, make sure you read the Christian quote below. Have a terrific Thursday! Be blessed!
“Generosity is impossible apart from our love of God and of His people. But with such love, generosity not only is possible but inevitable.” (Quote by John MacArthur)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King