Increase Your Standard of Giving

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered (Proverbs 11:24-25)

John Wesley had just finished decorating his dorm room while studying at Oxford. He spent all he had to set his room up exactly as he wanted it. He was ready to tackle his studies in a comfortable environment.

The dorm janitor came into his room for a routine cleaning. In those days, custodians must have actually come into the dorm rooms to clean. As he left John’s room one cold wintry day, John commented to the man that he should put on a heavier coat. The custodian replied, “This is the only coat that I have and I thank God for this coat.” 

This encounter with his new friend impacted John deeply. He felt the Holy Spirit directing him to give money to his friend for a new coat, but then realized that he had none left. All of John’s money had been spent on his room decor.

John Wesley determined he would never spend all his money on his own desires again. That year, his income was 30 pounds and his living expenses were 28 pounds. He gave away 2 pounds that year to the needy. 

His income the next year doubled, so he gave 32 pounds away and still spent 28. As his income continued to increase, he did not spend more. He simply gave more. When we make more money, most of us increase our standard of living. For John, he increased his standard of giving. 

When you get the raise at work you’ve been waiting for, what is your first response?

When you finally receive the bonus you’ve been counting on, what is your first response?

When you are surprised with a nice gift or inheritance from a family member, what is your first response?

When you have more wealth, you have more responsibility. Tithing is the baseline, but can you do more than what is merely required? Do you settle for the minimum standard for anything else in your life?

Father, thank You for providing me with way more than I could ever want or need. Help me walk in gratitude, and mirror your generosity with the money You have entrusted me to use. 

Source:  http://hhjonline.com/he-was-thankful-for-what-he-had-p13324-208.htm

Also, give credit to MPE