Overcoming Self-Sufficiency

I have known the above scripture for years and heard it read many times. It was only a few months ago when I read it again, that the aspect of people giving into your bosom jump out at me. I have always been a bit self sufficient and often feel that we should work for what we want in life. If you grew up experiencing lack, then you don’t necessarily want to be in the position of expecting anything from other people. Some of this is about wanting to develop a sense of independence and learning to be resourceful. Within this idea is also an element of pride which says, ‘I don’t want to have to be dependent on anyone.’

There is also an element of not wanting to seem like a charity case. There are people who sit at the other end of this concept and are quite dependent. Some people actually expect everyone else to meet their needs and have a sense of entitlement. Some people act like the world owes them everything and find ways to manipulate others into meeting their needs. I am not prescribing either of these extreme scenarios, but the biblical principles of increase speaks to sowing and reaping.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7). If you are a person that is generous and faithful in giving, then it is not unreasonable to expect to receive. This is why the scripture says, ‘give and it will be given unto you.’ You may not always receive from the person that you give to. Furthermore, you are not giving because you want to get back. You give from a heart of generosity and because you have a desire to bless others. When you give from a good heart, God is faithful to reward your giving.

The understanding is that when we give, we give as unto the Lord and our reward comes from him. Start expecting to receive from God to meet your needs. Once you have been faithful in sowing, start to expect a harvest. God will use people to be a blessing to us and there is nothing wrong with accepting help. “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22).

A.P.-Y.