Two basic philosophies of life boil down to a single question: “Are you a giver or a taker?” Does your life revolve around getting or giving? We live in an age of entitlement. Many have been deceived into believing that we are the center of the universe – that our perceived needs must be met by those around us – by the government, by the church, and by society itself. If slighted, overlooked, or offended in any way, we have been conditioned to believe that it is our right to take by force what we believe should rightfully belong to us. This godless, anarchist behavior is symptomatic of a moral and spiritual sickness infecting our society with greater and greater pervasiveness and, left to run its course unchecked, will bring an end to what was once was a great nation.
But, these rather ominous tones can be quickly brought into balance by reflecting upon the true source of every blessing, God Himself. Scripture reminds us that “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow” (Jas. 1:17). God displays His love and generosity by giving what inherently belongs to Him (Ps. 24:1). The government has nothing to give but what has been received from the populace through taxation. Governing authorities exist for the purpose of punishing evildoers, including those who recklessly and violently abandon moral restraint in pursuit of their own desires (Rm. 13:1-6). When a government ignores its sacred stewardship, it will answer to God in real time.
While Christians live in the world, they are not of the world (Jn. 15:19; 1 Jn. 5:19). While we acknowledge having been given life and breath and all things from His Majesty in the heavens (Acts 17:28), as His children we want to develop a give rather than take mentality. As stewards of the manifold grace of God, we serve others through the strength and resources of God (1 Pet. 4:10-11). This makes for a happy, joyous, and purposeful life. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). This is the kind of life He will reward when we stand before Him in judgment (Mt. 25:34-36). Give it some thought. Are you a giver or a taker?
— Glen Elliott —