We have bank accounts and we visit our banks to make transactions. This implies that we understand that when we withdraw (receive) money from the bank, our accounts are debited (it depletes), and when we deposit (give) money to the bank, our accounts are credited (it increases). The more you withdraw, the more the account depletes, and the more you deposit, the more the account increases.

We are also aware that what operates in the physical also operates in the spiritual (as referenced in our Lord’s Prayer – “Thy will be done on earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN”). This means that just as we run earthly/physical accounts, we also run heavenly/spiritual accounts. The scripture confirms this in Matthew 6:19-20 (NLT-emphasis mine):

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in HEAVEN, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.”

What am I on about? It’s simple really – GIVING! There are several sermons on giving, and this is to be expected, because it is a biblical injunction and a spiritual principle.

“And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more BLESSED to GIVE than to RECEIVE.’” Acts 20:35 (NLT-emphasis mine)

“Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:24-25 (NLT)

“Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns. Don’t hoard your goods; spread them around. Be a blessing to others. This could be your last night.” Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 (MSG)

“Give, and you will receive. 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 decide the amount you get back.” Luke 6:38 (NLT)

“Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. GIVING, NOT GETTING, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” Luke 6:38 (MSG-emphasis mine)

Now, let’s take another look at the ‘bank account’ illustration. It is obvious that when you give to the bank (make a deposit), your account increases. When you take from the bank (withdraw cash), your account depletes. Imagine what happens to your bank account if you keep taking without giving…of course you know…the account goes RED…zero!

This is the exact spiritual principle we’re being taught from the scriptures. Giving is far superior to receiving. When you give (to God and others), your heavenly account increases. When you stay at the realm of receiving, your heavenly account depletes. Ironically, according to scriptures, and contrary to many myopic views, it is when you give that you receive (GIVE MORE AND RECEIVE MORE). In the same vein, when you keep receiving (and don’t give anything), you tend to lose more (RECEIVE MORE AND LOSE ALL). Apparently, giving is the surest way to receiving!

Most times, when we hear sermons about giving, it’s mostly in monetary terms (probably why many are wary of it). As much as it is absolutely correct that money is an essential part of giving, there are several things at our disposal that we are required to give. Time, service, energy, godly counsel, prayer deposits, care, smile, affection, love, intellectual resources, and many more are things we must give to God and others. When we do these things, we lay up treasures for ourselves in heaven. We stock/fill our heavenly accounts with imperishable treasures!

Note that when we stand to give account on that day, it is what we have deposited in our heavenly accounts that will count for us (read Matthew 25:31-46). Jesus really emphasized giving in this passage. In our worship of God and service to Him, what emphasis do we place on giving? How much of our resources (financial and otherwise) do we give to God and others? Are you a giver or a receiver? Don’t forget the popular accounting slogan: “Credit the giver, debit the receiver.” This slogan is not only common practice in physical banks, it is also effectively used spiritually.

Prayer: Lord, make me a giver so that my heavenly account can receive credit. Amen.

© 2016 AyotundeElegbeleye (originally written for Thypreciousjewels)

Jesus is LORD!