2 Corinthians 9:11

You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity

I have been asked the question, "What motivates you to give extravagantly?" As I think about this I get stuck on the word extravagantly. This is such a big and powerful word. I just don't see myself as extravagant. Extravagant to me means more than necessary, exceeding reason or going beyond what is deserved. As I take a more focused look at this word that is stalling my thoughts, I begin to ask myself, "When serving God can you ever do more than is necessary, or go beyond reason with your actions for serving God?" What about going beyond what God deserves from us? Yikes, at this I cringed!

I feel that more importantly than how much I have to give it is about the attitude I have for giving. I do not give reluctantly, but trust in God that the gifts He has given me are being used for His work. This creates an internal joy when I give of myself. The returns I get on my investments of giving always amaze me. The abundance of warmth I receive internally only fuels me to want to give more in any way that I can. This also opens my eyes to more blessings and more opportunities to be blessed. The blessings we receive come to us from God and are not for us to keep to ourselves, but to share with others.

Our God given gifts come in many forms and not all people are given the same gifts. Our job is to acknowledge the gifts that we are given and to find ways to use them. Some are good bakers and we appreciate you at bake sale time. Some have organizational skills to be used for putting together fund raisers and special events. Some are great communicators and teachers and share their knowledge in classrooms with people of all ages. Some are great craftsmen and use their talents to help others in the community and on far away mission trips. And yes, some are blessed with wealth and if you are blessed in this way; giving freely should be considered a blessing. Of the gifts you have been given, gratitude should be felt for the special way you can use your gifts to help others.

I pray for the wisdom to know which gifts God has given me and the courage to act on that knowledge to use my gifts for God's work in the world to touch lives of others in as many positive ways that I can.

 ~Sue Pateras