A Gift Expects Nothing In Return

The gospel of prosperity has never really appealed to me; on the other hand, however, I can't imagine God reveling in poverty.

The Bible also has a lot to say about finance, too. The general underlying principal of that is, "Give and it shall be given unto you." (Luke 6:38)

As a matter of fact, this scripture in its entirety says that your gift "will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." (Luke 6:38 NLT)

So, there does seem to be a proportionate return on the size of your gifts. Of course, a lot of other conditions are factored in here, too. Foremost in these conditions is motive. Now, stop and think for a moment. A gift by the very definition of the word expects nothing in return; otherwise, it would not be a gift, it would be an investment, or a loan.

Now, I am well aware that some popular preachers teach that we are to invest in the Kingdom, expecting a return. My simple reply is to remind them that His Kingdom is not of this world, so they'll just have to wait for that return. Nothing wrong in investing in the Kingdom of God or Heaven ~ as a matter of fact, we are encouraged to do so; however, these returns are spiritual not material.

The Bible also has a lot to say about finance, too. The general underlying principal of that is, "Give and it shall be given unto you." (Luke 6:38)

Mother Teresa, whom I had the privilege to meet and have written about, never sent out "Thank You" notes or letters. When ask why, her simple response was that if they were giving with the right spirit they should not expect anything in return; not even a "Thank You" note. Her rationale was that they were giving to God not her, anyway. Her attitude was, "Let God thank them, I am too busy to respond, I've got work to do."

And, of course, any student of the history of missions knows about the famous Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England, founded by George Müller. Mr. Müller never asked for a dime, he prayed all of the necessary funds in to take care of over 10,000 orphans in his life time alone. That was way back in the late 1800's, and his foundation is still going strong today with, I might add, nothing but prayer. My recollection is that Müller was not gushy with "Thank You" notes, either.

By now, I am sure you are looking for a general underlying principle in all of this. Well, here it is: A gift is a gift, and as such expects nothing in return; and that it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 TLB)

In reference to this principle, as a professor of Apologetics, I cannot resist reminding us that central to all of this is the belief that God is, and he rewards. So many times, people approach God in sincere need but with little or no faith in Him. Sorry to say, but this is true.

A successful Christian brimming with faith is able to step out as it were into thin air and expect God to buoy them up on His promises alone. The underlying principle? If I am walking in God's will, why should I not expect Him to honor my faith? After all, He is God, the same God who hung the heaven in space, surely He can and will sustain me, also.