Giving is the spirit of heaven. Heaven was emptied for us that we might receive its spirit of giving. But the enemy tries to find ways to prevent us from receiving this spirit of generosity. He tempts us to think we need more than we do. He gets us over-stressed with problems to depress us and cause us to lose that happy spirit. Sometimes he stifles the giving spirit by using others to get us angry.
Some people don’t know what to do. They have been giving to God’s cause for many years, investing their time, influence, tithes and offerings in what seemed to them to be the place where the truth would be upheld. But now they realize that false doctrine is preached. Schools are teaching a worldly philosophy and engaging in sports and other things that God has forbidden. They see rock music flooding in on worship services, worldliness pressing in all around them, and people they were taught to respect are often leading out in it. When they protest these things, they are told to be quiet, or they get foolish arguments and defensive behavior that sidestep the question and leave them without hope of change for the better.
Sometimes people lose the heart to give because they have been alienated by those who they thought were going to do right. They become disconnected, losing the sense of “message ownership” that gave them passion for the truth and their church.
Whatever you do, don’t lose the spirit of giving! Giving of yourself to someone else will lift YOUR spirits. When you know that you have done some good for someone else or for the true cause of God, you have the satisfaction of seeing your benevolence at work. This is vital to spiritual life and to a happy, well-balanced outlook. Jesus said, “Give and it shall be given unto you” (Luke 6:38) because He knew how important the spirit of giving really is and that all generosity comes back to bless the giver.
We all need to be connected to a worthy cause to inspire our giving. As I talk to people who visit Hartland’s campus for the holy convocations, I have begun to sense a reconnection. They need a place where they can feel a part of a worthwhile effort, where they can volunteer and be connected to a “cause,” a place in which to invest time and energy as well as their financial generosity, a place where they can practice that good ol’ spirit of giving. Many people are finding that faithful self-supporting ministries give them a sense of “message ownership” once again. They sense that their gifts won’t be wasted on the stock market, in drama programs, cartoons, clowns and other foolishness, but that their gifts will be used wisely and efficiently. The opportunity for connection to the real truth again is very appealing and is often the reason people come to Hartland for convocations and camp meetings. They feel a part of “the cause” again.
Why not get connected? If you’ve never been to Hartland, pay us a visit. You won’t regret it! For example, come and help with our ladies’ dorm project this fall. You’ll be glad you did. Here’s your chance to get involved in something really worthwhile.
And thank you for your support and prayers! The vision at Hartland can’t be completed without God and you! Help us fulfill the vision training young people to take the truth all over the world. You are definitely needed! Make the spirit of heaven your spirit too. God bless you.
