“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38, NIV 1984).
My Musings – Unfortunately, the world is more about taking than it is about giving. Some, will even look at this verse and focus on “and it will be given to you.” Their primary motive in giving is to receive in return “a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.” Just keep pouring it “into [my] lap” Lord. But if our giving is compelled by greed, “the measure [we] use...will be measured to [us].” “With their [giving] they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain.” (Ezekiel 33:31, NIV 1984). What gets “poured into [their] laps” will not be what they coveted.
My Advice – Remember “the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” (Acts 20:35, NIV 1984). Give, whether it is our time, talent or treasure, without expecting or coveting anything in return. For “they are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And [our] God will meet all [our] needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:18–20, NIV 1984). That is needs, not greed.
The Brew Is A Musing 