Getting really good at... giving?

There are a lot of things I'd like to be really good at:

Encouraging.

Listening.

Writing.

Playing the piano.

But I haven't thought too much about being good at giving - until I came upon this verse.

But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:7

What if I were to become an excellent giver? 

Actually look for ways to give.  Try to get really really good at it.

Wow.  You might not recognize me.

Here's the dictionary definition of excel:

To be or go beyond a limit or standard.
To be preeminent or to be at a level higher than others.
To be superior in performance, quality, or degree. 
To outdo in doing or performing.

Sounds a little competetive, doesn't it?  The thing about biblical giving is that it's done without others knowing.  So I think the one I'm trying to outdo here is myself.

What's my limit or standard?  Well, my tithe.  A few extra things we give to regularly.  But really not much beyond that.

That's not very difficult to improve on.

And not just with money.  I can also give time - which, I hate to admit, is almost harder for me to do.

So this is what I'd like to do - challenge myself to get good at this.  


The alternative is an ugly picture.

I'm picturing anything "under my mattress" that I can't take with me to heaven.  I don't know about you but I don't have a LOT of money.  But I've got a LOT more than most folks.  What am I hanging on to?  Why? 

One thing we're doing is sponsoring a little girl in Ethiopia whose family has nothing.  Her parents sell sticks for firewood to try to feed their children but it isn't enough.  For only $30 a month, your family can sponsor a child and absolutely change a life.  Here are a few of the kids who need sponsors:

Derartu
She is 7 years old.  Her mother died and her father left her to live with her grandmother, who has trouble providing food for her granddaughter.

Midaso

He is 8 years old.  His mother is dead and his father works as a guard but doesn't earn enough to send his son to school.

Durti

She is 5 years old and the middle of five children.  Her father is a missionary and struggles to support his family.

Sebona

He is 5 years old and one of five children.  His father works hard to provide for his family by selling firewood and helping farmers but it's not enough income to feed his children.

Alemitu

This little 4 year old girl lives with her parents and 3 siblings.  The family lives in extreme poverty as the parents are unable to find work enough to provide food.

If you would like to help any of these children, please send me an email at:

becky (at) adoptionministry (dot) net

Your monthly gift of $30 is income tax deductible and I'll send you a prayer card so you can involve your kids in the lives of a child across the globe.

It would be an excellent decision!