Throw Caution to the Wind

Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop.

 

I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give.

 

That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting.

 

God loves it when the giver delights in giving.

 

God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done.

 

As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon.

 

His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out.

 

This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more extravagant with you.

 

He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.

 

Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians.

 

It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God.

 

This relief offering is a prod to live at your best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ.

 

You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone.

 

Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they'll respond by praying for you in a passionate intercession for whatever you need.

 

Thank God for this gift, His gift.

 

No Language can praise it enough.

 

II Corinthians 9 (MSG)

 

Have you ever thrown caution to the wind? When we hear that phrase it usually is a reference to sowing wild oats in ones younger years. However, what about in your daily life, what would it look like to throw caution to the wind?

 

This passage talks of the blessing and gift involved in caring for others...building relationships...not so that you can rescue others and receive accolades for service, but because in extending love we are a true reflection of the love of Christ...sharing the extravagance of God...bringing abundant and bountiful thanksgiving to Him.

 

My friends, this is counter to what you will hear in this world - watching out for "#1", let others help themselves, chasing our own dreams...but I can tell you - this reckless faith, throwing caution to the wind to serve and bless others with what He has given to us...there is nothing like it.

 

To all those that are serving with us, loving our neighbors, sharing our burdens, teaching, giving of what Christ gave to you...Thank you...your dedication, friendship and reflection of Christ's love is true nourishment to our spirits and is leaving a lasting mark on eternity for the lives you are impacting.

 

For those that are praying for our needs with passionate intercession...Thank You...you are blessing with a gift like no other and arming us to serve with grace and strength.

 

If "throwing caution to the wind and giving to the needy with reckless abandon" is a term that makes you uncomfortable...challenges your faith, priorities, or plans...I challenge you to embrace it...take one step in the next week and month to meet the need of another...likely you will never be the same...