Have you ever read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe? The magical wardrobe, bigger on the inside than it appeared on the outside, perfectly illustrates a principle that applies far beyond the world of Narnia. This principle, which is revisited in the final book, The Last Battle, speaks of things constantly expanding, growing, and becoming more than they initially seem. Aslan himself encourages this growth, urging the Pevensy children to "go further up and further in."
This concept, while seemingly impossible in the physical world, finds powerful application in areas like farming, finance, and most importantly, giving. A tiny seed grows into a mighty plant; a small investment can blossom into significant returns. Similarly, generosity, when applied to giving, often yields far more than we initially anticipate.
This post explores the "Give and Grow Principle," rooted in Proverbs 3:9-10, and how it impacts our finances and our relationship with God.
Proverbs 3:9-10 encourages us to honor the Lord with our possessions, specifically mentioning our wealth and the first fruits of our increase. In ancient times, wealth wasn't solely defined by money in the bank. It encompassed land, livestock, and harvests. The "first fruits" didn't just mean the first of the harvest; it meant the best of the harvest. We often tend to give what's left over, but the principle calls for giving our best, our finest offerings.
This can be challenging. Giving our best might evoke fear of future lack. We might hesitate, clinging to what we have, fearing scarcity. But Solomon's wisdom transcends this fear. He teaches that giving should not be contingent on abundance. Our possessions ultimately belong to God. Giving our best, regardless of our perceived financial status, is an act of honoring Him.
During a period of financial hardship in the late 1990s/early 2000s, my wife and I committed to giving an extra $100 each month, even though our combined annual income was below the poverty line for a single adult. It wasn't easy; there were times we fell short. Yet, through faithfulness in giving, we experienced God's provision in remarkable ways. The "Give and Grow" principle became a tangible reality in our lives.
One example is the unexpected profit we made when selling our house. The profit significantly exceeded our expectations, allowing us to purchase a condo despite our limited finances. While we barely made ends meet with an $800 monthly mortgage, this unexpected financial blessing was a direct result of our commitment to giving. Had we saved that $100 each month instead, it would have taken us over 41 years to accumulate the same amount.
It's crucial to understand that the "Give and Grow" principle isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. It's not about manipulating God for personal gain. I've witnessed firsthand the difference between selfless giving and transactional giving. One wealthy man I knew used his resources generously for adoption and ministry. Another, however, used giving as a means to accumulate more wealth. When the 2008 financial crisis hit, he lost everything and became bitter towards God. His experience highlighted a crucial truth: true giving stems from a surrendered heart, not a desire for personal enrichment.
The "Give and Grow" principle extends beyond finances. It encompasses our time, talents, and even our thoughts and dreams. It's about generously stewarding all that God has entrusted to us. Communion, in its essence, embodies this principle—a sacrifice that resulted in abundant life. Jesus's death and resurrection perfectly illustrate this paradox: ultimate giving leading to ultimate gain. Spiritual rebirth mirrors the physical resurrection, a testament to the transformative power of selfless giving.
