Pure Magazine

Because Someone Gave

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As some of you know, I am a huge fan of "Youth With a Mission", an international volunteer movement of Christians from many backgrounds, cultures and Christian traditions, dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world. Through YWAM, I was able to travel around Cape York in Australia ministering to the Indigenous of the country.

Since leaving Australia in 2007, I still keep in touch with some of the people I met there and we've become good friends. Recently, the base I attended (Reef to Outback) bought a ship and turned it into a "Medical Ship" bringing free health care to Papa New Guinea. They made a video summarizing their ministry this year. I applaud them for their work and praise God that He has been using them in such a powerful way. Please take a moment to watch it.

The reason I've entitled this article "Because Someone Gave" is because this video inspired me. Well, I guess it's God that inspired me. He is the ultimate inspiration.

In today's culture, we really don't talk about GIVING very much. We talk about "charities" in tax terms; we give money to a homeless person and feel our job is done for the whole month. But, are we really willing to give EVERYTHING for the sake of God's kingdom? If Jesus appeared before you today and asked you to leave all your possessions, your family, your home, your country....would you?

There is a reason that this scripture exists:

Matthew 19:24

"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

God didn't say this to judge those that have more money than others. He said this because He knew that human nature is to value physical possessions, family, time, freedom, etc. And the moment that you love something more than God, it becomes an idol.

 "Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth."

I don't know about you, but I want to be ready when Jesus asks me to do something. I don't want to walk away sad because he asked me to move to China and sell all my possessions. Believe it or not, there are missionaries all around the world right now that have answered God's call to do that very thing. They gave up their freedom in some cases; they gave up time with their family, left their homes, left their lives....just to GIVE to someone else.

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This is something that I want you to really think about. Really consider what you are willing to give for the sake of Christ.

I will tell you that my time in Australia was life changing....my other mission trips to Mexico and Slovakia were life changing as well. The reason? I gave.

There is nothing that feels better than to give unselfishly to someone else knowing you will not receive something back in return. And I am not just talking about money...nor am I just talking about global missions. 

What are you doing right now where you are?

Are you a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, a smile for a stranger, a warm meal for the sick, a carpool for a co-worker? Think about the people around you. Do you know someone that is in need? How about someone that is hurting?

Luke 21 The Widow's Offering  1 "As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.[a] 3"I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

Life is too short to think about ourselves. Life is too short to be looking more closely at our bank accounts than the condition of our hearts.

Are you ready? Will you be someone that gave? Will you change someone else's life because you were available for God?

What gets in the way?

One thing to note is that Satan doesn't want us to help each other. He doesn't want us to be kind, loving, generous, or anything that resembles Jesus. So, he will try his best to distract you and whisper lies that prevent you from following in Jesus' footsteps.

He will tell you that you can't afford to help a widow buy food for her children. He will say that you don't have the time to help someone fix their car. He will say you can't get involved in someone's problems so you aren't there when they need a friend.

Chances are, you have already faced some of these lies. Satan is the master of lies.

But praise God that He gave us the power to demolish ALL strongholds. He gave us the power to stomp Satan under our feet and tell him he has no power in our lives.

God gave us the ability to give. So, I challenge you to kick satan in the face and give to those around you. I promise you won't regret it.