“There is the one who [generously] scatters [abroad], and yet increases all the more; And there is the one who withholds what is justly due, but it results only in want and poverty. 25The generous man [is a source of blessing and] shall be prosperous and enriched, And he who waters will himself be watered [reaping the generosity he has sown].” 

Proverbs 11:24-25 AMP

Today our journey takes us down the road of generosity and management of the financial resources that God has place into out charge. I love the Hebrew word used here for scatters. The word is a verb and participle. Being a verb, it is referring to an action and as a participle it refers to the activity in a spectrum not limited by time. It means the action is continual throughout past, present, and future!  Translated to English the word carries the meaning “pertaining to a state in which a collection of objects in one place are thrown or moved to multiple places relatively far away.” It also means to “give several objects to others, implying generosity.” It has a clear application specifically in the process of sowing or scattering seed over a large special area. 

As followers of Christ, we are called to be stewards of God’s possessions. A steward is one who in charge and keep of the Master’s goods. He has right to enjoy them and keep them but when the Master has need of them, he must relinquish them from his store in response to the Master’s wishes!  The challenge throughout history is that man feels ownership of things which are not his own! Our opening verse reminds us that if we “scatter abroad” the seed we have been entrusted with, God will multiply our own storehouse. While I often hear from people tithing is an Old Testament practice required by the law, it has no requirement on the believer of today to tithe. I agree! As born again believers we are no longer under the law but grace. Clearly the Scripture says that freedom from the law is a blessing to us walking in grace. The reality of the situation is far more reaching! The Scripture is clear,

“For through the Law I died to the Law and its demands on me [because salvation is provided through the death and resurrection of Christ], so that I might [from now on] live to God. 20I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

Galatians 5:19-20 AMP

If I no longer live, then my worldly possessions belong to someone else who is living! In our case they have been deeded over to the one who called us friend, for He is still alive! Look at what the Word says, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” This means that everything we are, have, and do are under His control. If our hearts are truly devoted to the One who gave it all for us, then we learn to live with our hands free from the trap of material possessions and worldly goods. Notice that the opposite is true of the one who tries to keep the resources given for the Master’s work.

“There is the one who [generously] scatters [abroad], and yet increases all the more; And there is the one who withholds what is justly due, but it results only in want and poverty.” 

Proverbs 11:24 AMP

Now, the law required 10% plus over and above offerings. Jesus requires 100% and our lives as an over and above offering! Paul wrote to the church at Corinth,

“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].”

1 Corinthians 15:58 AMP

God has a plan and a purpose for our lives. As we grow in the grace and knowledge of who He is, our lives should become less and less about ourselves and more and more about Him!

Have a blessed and generous day! Pastor Ken