“The more you are enriched the more scope will there be for generous giving” (2 Cor. 9:11 Phillips).
Two things go with the Christian territory: gratitude and generosity.
Let’s consider ourselves before our conversion. You and I were not born naturally grateful or generous. It was not our inherent nature either to esteem or praise others more than ourselves or to really enjoy giving away to others anything of real value to us. We weren’t totally selfish, but then again we weren’t totally unselfish either.
We were just self-centered.
But then we were converted. To convert means “to turn around and go in the opposite direction.” Now that we are heading in the opposite way, we have a new nature.
Now that we are Christ-centered, we find it easy to give praise to God for His goodness and mercy to us and to praise other people for their efforts on our behalf.
Likewise, we find it easy to give away material things. That giving starts a cycle of receiving which enables us to give even more. While we don’t “give to get” (for ourselves), we do give to get more to give.
This verse assures us that the more we are enriched, the more scope we will have for generosity. Prosperity makes sense when it is motivated, not by selfishness, but by a sincere desire to bless others.
The basic rule is: “Give, and it shall be given to you in return – and in abundance – so you will have more to give next time.”
I believe that in the future we will see surface a large group of dedicated and committed believers who have a pronounced ministry of giving. I am convinced that Christians will become conspicuous by their generosity. Overflowing – outflowing – prosperity is on its way!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.