Daily Devotional | Giving With A Vision

Proverbs 29:18 AMP

“Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]–blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he.”

 

See it at YouVersion.com:http://bible.us/Prov29.18.AMP

 

When you give to something or someone, what are you expecting in return? What do you expect the outcome to be? In other words, do you give with a vision? For instance, Do you tithe in your church? Tithing is the gateway for the believer into the covenant of blessings. It is a tenth of our income that we give to God, which enables Him to move on our behalf in the area of blessings.

 

Look at it this way; You earn a yearly income of $120,000, which equates to $10,000 per month. You attend church every Sunday. There are 4 Sundays in a month. You tithe $1 each Sunday. That is $4 per month! Can you support a family on $4 per month? Can you support yourself on $4 per month? How do you expect $4 per month to build the vision of your church? What is your vision? You are robbing God!  It would be better to rob the First National Bank than to rob the bank of Heaven.

 

Statistics show that approximately 20% of Christians tithe. That means, 80% of Christians are not in covenant with their God, but are like beggars and thieves looking for handouts and what they can steal from Him.

 

It is a contrast in human logic that by giving up something we can receive even more. This is the principle of sewing and reaping. The laws of reciprocity.  Christ’s admonition to “give and it will be given to you” defines a remarkable spiritual principle. We must have a like mind of Christ in our visions, which should include all walks of life.  For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Smile at another person, and he’ll probably smile back at you. Be critical of others, and they’ll respond in kind. As you give, you will receive. Give generously, and you’ll receive in like measure.

 

When you give without a vision, an expectation, you are presumptuous! If you sow a dollar and reap a dollar, will you be happy? If you invest money in stocks, do you expect it not to grow? If you start a relationship without receiving satisfaction, will you be happy? A man who has a vision is a man who prospers. A person who gives freely will receive in abundance. “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV

 

The key here is the vision. A good Christian is visionary. A leader with vision is a great leader. They work with the intentionality and alignment with a higher purpose. Their eyes are on the horizon, not just on the near at hand. They are change agents. There is a profound interconnectedness between the leader(Jesus) and the whole(God’s Kingdom), and true visionary leaders serve the good of the whole. When you have a vision you embody a sense of personal integrity,vitality and will. Will is a spiritual attribute, which allows a leader to stand for something. What is your vision? Is it connected to the heart of Christ?

 

Scripture of the day: For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day. ~ Habakkuk 2:3 AMP   

 

From Pastor Peter Okereke Jr.

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