Give or Hoard

DEVOTION
PROVERBS
GIVE OR HOARD
Prov 11:24
24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
NIV
Does it say it any clearer? I have to believe that I cannot out give God. Although this may appear to be speaking only about monetary giving or withholding, it surely can apply to every aspect of life as well. I think I am safe in saying a person could give a lot of money in the offering plate, do nothing else for the Kingdom of God and think he is a big giver. Time, talent and energy are items for freely giving also. I may be wrong, but I do not count the time, talent and energy of full time paid employees of the church, for it is just another form of a job, a profession compensated by payment. What I think God is speaking about is truly the freely giving of self to his plan. I do not think it matters about the earthy compensation, but if I simply give myself, freely to what he has called me to do, then he will make sure I am well taking care of. I will gain far more than just money; I will gain fulfillment, satisfaction, and contentment in knowing God is pleased with my giving. True I believe in the giving of money as well, but not in a fashion so someone might keep a record of it, so I may be rewarded at tax time, or that I might be known by the staff as a tither. Surely then I will have already received my gain, but not from God, just from men. Either case the freely giving of money, or self surely is only my business between me and God. He is the only source of gain I am interested in, not that I give to get, that would be wrong. I believe I give just because that is what he desires me to do. If I were to hoard either my funds or my time, talent, and energy I surely would be a poor man for in my hoarding, I could not expect anything from God, the source of all things. I would be stuck with just what I have and what I am, which is not a lot. But I am not stuck as I give freely and he provides me with much gain. This is not a gamble as in a house of chance, it is not just being a winner or loser, but this is a house of choice. Choose you this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my household we will serve the Lord. Choice you this day if you will give or hoard, but as for me I while freely give.