pilgrims progress
How Giving Lightens Our Load
This guest post is written by Angela Mackey.
My sweet girl, not quite eight, was sitting in church with me. She held tight to her treasure – a few coins she intended to offer to the Lord, placed in a special bag. As the offering plate passed by, she plopped her coins in the plate – a loud clinking sound. Then she turned to me and whispered, “Mommy my bag was heavy like a burden when I came in, but now it is light. You know like the burden from that book.”
“Pilgrim’s Progress?” I whisper, incredulous. 
“Yes,” she nods.
My heart began to burn and I felt as if God whispered this to me:
“That is how it happens. That is how you become a cheerful giver. Your possessions, your treasures are burdens to you when you have only this world in mind. They weigh you down and wear you out. Only by offering them to Me, can you lighten your load.”
I am still processing this gift from God, but it changes the way I look at the things God has given me.
My house: a blessing from God and the work it takes to clean it is a way of honoring God for the gift He gave me.
My van: a gift from God, the chipped paint, tornado-like appearance are signs of my children. Things to be thankful for and opportunities to train my children to learn to be responsible.
My money: our manna from heaven to provide for our family and their future. Oh and a wonderful chance to give for God’s glory and honor. That we may never aim for more money, but aim to honor God with what He provides.
Looking at our possessions, treasures, and finances this way takes the burdens out of the treasures. It lightens our load because our things our not ours, but God’s. When we give to Him and change our mindset to heavenly thinking, our treasures are no longer burdens. Instead we offer them back to Him to use as He sees fit. So our treasures can no longer weigh us down.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19-20
Father God, help us to view our treasures, finances, and possessions with You in mind. May we offer them all back to You, for they come from You in the first place. As we lay our things down to Your purpose and glory, please lighten our load. Fill us with faith to trust You for all we need and with strength to do what You ask us to do cheerfully. For Your glory and honor. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have you experienced lightening of your load through giving? If do you need to offer something to God today? Please Share your thoughts. I can’t wait to hear from you. Angela’s website is http://www.rethinkingmythinking.com
