Wanna’ a double blessing…this is a great time to begin to bless others. That was a post shared on face book earlier this year in hopes of inspiring someone. Interestingly, I received a negative comment saying that was the wrong motive. “Wrong motive… That is akin to serving God for what you can get out of it or loving Him for what He’s given you. What If I bless others and still don’t get anything in return?” It’s been said that ‘to the pure all things are pure.’ In other words, what you think is a direct correlation to how and what you see a thing. I truly believe that the person that responded to my face book post more than likely equated blessing and giving to money.
Actually, a lot of people think that giving is only applicable to money when in fact there are so many forms of giving, far more impactful than money will ever be! During my radio show as well as in my book, I’ve often reminded folk to thank God for things that money cannot buy. These things are priceless—there is no price tag that measure the value of health, love of family, great relationship, favor, mercy, wisdom and so much more that is indicative of God’s love. When you take time to bless someone else it is a classic example of what money could never buy. Moreover, you cannot imagine the impact it might have concerning that person’s life and posterity.
During my life, I have learned that God has a million ways to bless you. Seldom do you receive blessings directly from the person that you blessed. It comes from other sources. But rest assured they will manifest in your life due to the law of reciprocity. “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38). I could elaborate, but would like to share powerful words concerning the Joy of Giving from the legendary Rev. Dr. Clay Evans, founder of the historic Fellowship Baptist Church and Senior Pastor Emeritus. By the way, he was 90 years young on June 23rd of this year.
According to Rev. Evans, the J.O.Y. in equals Jesus, others and yourself. He feels this order will bring individuals most happiness. Although, receiving is a part of giving—the good book clearly shares the message that it is much more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Perhaps this is why the central bible theme is ‘God so loved the world that He gave…’(John 3:16). Rev. Evans further explained that the acronym for J.O.Y. is Jesus first—others second and then you rank last place. In fact, this order of service not only guarantees a life of fulfillment, but also it should be the dominant sequence in any productive Christian’s life. Jesus first, others second and yourself last. Studies show those who live a life of service—experience more happiness and fulfillment than those who only concentrate on themselves. ‘If I Can Help Somebody (Then My Living Will Not Be In Vain)’ is a classic song that Rev. Evans models his life by each day. Rev. Clay Evans’ name will live on because his life has been about giving.
The question remains, what is your area of service? Maybe it’s participating in the neighborhood and church food pantries, prison and jail ministries. Perhaps you can show a young lady how to cook a meal, apply make-up or how to successfully interview for a job. Identify a male without a father and show him how to change a flat tire, check the car’s fluids, how to cut the lawn or to do various things around the house. Regardless of the simplicity, just do something.
As you give, serve cheerfully as unto the Lord—when you serve others, know that you are really serving God. Matthew 25:30 states that “…Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Let’s roll up our sleeves and find a way to serve others because there is much work to be done. The quickest way to get real joy is to give of your resources, talents, time and gifting to others. When you give and bless others in the spirit of love, get ready to receive a double bless- ing.
Are you a blessing to others…?
©Effie Rolfe is an Author of “Supersize Your Thinking,” Media Personality and Motivational Speaker. You can contact her at effierolfe.com or on twitter.- com/effiedrolfe. Listen to urbanpraiseradio.org
