Today, November 15th, is National Philanthropy Day. I find that ironic because yesterday I posted on Facebook that I was a Fantasizing Philanthropist waiting for God to provide the means. Having a desire to give generously to better the lives of God’s people.
And then it hit me, should not all of God’s people be philanthropists? I realize that not everyone can give monetarily, believe me when I say I get it; but it’s certainly not limited to the wealthy. The definition does not specify a dollar amount only that it’s given generously to promote the well being of someone. Generous (giving more than is expected.)
Proverbs 11:25 says that “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”
Philanthropy in a nutshell. The problem with philanthropy is we must first understand Philippians 4:11~ Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. In order to give with a philanthropist heart when you are living without philanthropist purse, means putting yourself aside. And is that not how Christ told us to live? It’ doesn’t mean starving or not paying bills, but it just might mean that the little extra we go to make sure we are blessed, needs to bless someone else.
Luke 6:38 ~ Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
If we truly give what we can, we’ll never out give God.
Today as I go on my way I want to pray this prayer for you and I both. “Precious Lord, Savior and friend. Thou who taught us to love and to give. Give us eyes that we might see and ears that we might hear a need today. Let us put ourselves and our selfish desires aside. Send a soul across our path, place a thought within our heart, show us those who stand in need and give us understanding of Your desired action. Let us live with a servants heart that we were shown through Your Son. How will they ever see You, if not though us? I ask it in Jesus Name. Who gave it all that I might have it all. Amen.