Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8, NIV)
Have you heard the saying, “Mind over matter”? It refers to the belief (or assumption) that the mind is stronger than the body. This mental phenomenon leads people to perform such unbelievable activities as polar swimming, bungee jumping, skydiving, walking on fiery coals, and other feats the human body naturally hesitates to perform. Yet, by focusing our minds into believing we can do something, we can persuade our bodies into action.
Similar to this phenomenon is a new concept of “Mind over money.” It is the Biblical mindset of generously giving back to God – and overcoming our natural human hesitance or resistance to fully accept and practice it.
Sowing and Reaping
During an extended furlough from the mission field, our family relocated to a farm in northwest Washington State. One important concept learned from farming is the lesson of sowing and reaping. If I am tight-fisted with the seed, my harvest will be small; if I generously scatter the seed, my harvest will be abundant. The first premise of “mind over money” is that God wants me to give Him a portion of what He has entrusted to me.
Secondly, and more importantly, there is a “love factor” in giving. God wants me to want to give to Him. God loves a cheerful giver – as opposed to someone giving out of reluctance or obligation. In today’s verses, “cheerful” is derived from the Greek word hilaros – what English word immediately springs to mind? Hilarious! God loves it when we hilariously and willingly give back to Him.
If my kids gave me a gift out of an attitude of resigned obligation, it would not be very meaningful. However, when they eagerly present their gift with excited grins on their faces, that makes all the difference in the world. As our heavenly Father, God desires this same level of excited giving from us. The awesome news is we can’t out give God! He says, “Give, and it will be given to you. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).
As you give, change your mindset. Give willingly, with a grin and a cheerful heart. Mind over money – give generously and hilariously!
