Build Up Someone Else's House

Sometimes the greatest gift we can give to someone else is the exact gift we need ourselves. Nine years ago, my husband and I gave away a 1993 Geo Metro in preparation for purchasing a 2000 Honda Odyssey to better suit our growing family. Less than a year later, however, a family member offered us a 1995 Ford Ranger. We gave away a vehicle when we needed another one and in due season, we received a finer vehicle than the one we had donated to a friend.

Be aware - the notion of giving to others while we're in need does not prioritize giving for the sake of getting. I'm simply revealing how the giving principle works. We give to share with others and to honor God by esteeming their needs above our own. Still, the sowing-reaping principle dictates that we always reap more than we've sown.

Having made that clear, today's challenge will require you to purposely pursue the opportunity to build up someone else's house, even if you feel like yours is currently being torn down. You may be in need of $100.00 right now. Why not give the $10.00 you have to someone who'll receive it like it is $1,000.000.00? You may need a new pair of shoes for work. Why not give away your favorite pair of earrings to that woman who compliments you every time you wear them? 

The idea of today's challenge is to motivate you to give from your possessions even as you're learning how to receive and save what you should. The act of giving...with a cheerful heart and grateful mind is a powerful tool. Giving helps us to change our perspective. It enables us to realize how blessed we are to have something of value to give to someone who will cherish it. At the same time, it encourages us to desire an increase in our finances in order to prioritize having more to give away. 

Yes, our overall goal for this week is to establish principles and actions pertaining to saving for our future, but believe me - giving out of what we have will go a long way in opening up opportunities that will ensure that we receive more than we could have ever saved by hoarding what we have received. So, go look on your dresser, in your closet, or in your wallet for something valuable to release for the sake of building up someone else's house. Then, come back here and let me know all about it. I can't wait to hear from you!