When God Calls YOUR Money, Not Theirs

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Are we more concerned about what everyone else is doing, or are we more concerned about what we should be doing ourselves?

We all have a natural desire to be included, but do we really belong there?

We get frustrated sometimes with the fact that we’re in the process of doing big things for God and others with our finances, yet we see others that may be right next to us that make wayyyy more money than we do who aren’t doing those same big things when we feel that they should be.

Rather, they may be carelessly spending all that money on eating out, vacations, extra-big personal purchases, etc., and then say that they cannot afford to do what we’re doing or be a part of what we’re doing. They may even be working so much extra time away from their families just to afford all those luxuries while their family suffers their absence, yet uses their extra work to justify their “providing.” It hurts my heart in many ways sometimes.

And here were are, just trying to do what God has called us to do with our money, while watching others do whatever they want to do…

How can I feel happiness for them? Knowing that we sacrifice so much to do what’s right, yet they want us to be proud of them for the things they get to do that we don’t because of the sacrifices we make? Instead, we may feel sadness about it because we do experience the joy and benefits of giving and sacrificing, yet still may long to do those extra things they’re doing as well.

I can’t be the only one in the world to ever feel this way, right? Maybe you feel like this right now or have felt that way in the past. It’s a hard feeling to combat sometimes, but as I sit here in my thoughts and getting encouraged by scripture, I wanted to take the time to encourage others in this area as well.

We have to remind ourselves that what THEY choose to do has absolutely nothing to do with what WE choose to do or what we think they should do. In the end, what MATTERS is that I did what God wanted ME to do – that I can lay MY head to rest with a good conscience knowing I said YES to the Father when He called.

It’s the same with our time, our life in general, etc.

It’s definitely easier said than done if you’re not in this predicament yourself, especially from the outside looking in. Nevertheless, we can always be encouraged by knowing what the scripture says about everything and to correct us when needed.

Galatians 6 tells us not to grow weary in doing good because whatever you sow you will reap. Whether it’s good choices or bad choices, we will reap a harvest from what we’ve sown, not from what they have sown. We need to stop worrying so much about what everyone else chooses to do, and just simply try our best to do what we need to be doing on our part. Set the best example that we can, and push forward.

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
~ Galatians 6:7-10

And shouldn’t we be giving cheerfully? Our reluctant gifts aren’t even accepted by God as good works if we have a grudged spirit about it. Ouch!

He gives seed to the sower for a harvest, which in this scripture states, is to be used for more sowing! And increases the harvest of your righteousness!

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,

“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever.”

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.  Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
~ 2 Corinthians 9:6-15