Joy Challenge Video Devotional - Day 14: Pastor Ryan Shook
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“… You'll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, 'You're far happier giving than getting.'"
Acts 20:35 (MSG)
Yesterday we found the cure for FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out. It’s in learning as Paul did in Philippians 4:11-13, the secret of contentment. We looked at two truths about contentment that help us learn this secret.
1. Contentment is realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness.
2. If I’m not content with what I have, I will never be content with what I want.
Let’s consider a third truth about contentment today that dives deeper into the depths of joy we can experience when we learn the secret of contentment.
3. Contentment is knowing that the more I release earthly possessions, the more I can grasp eternal treasure!
In Acts 20:35 (MSG), as the apostle Paul was saying an emotional farewell to the leaders of the church in Ephesus, he left them with this parting reminder, “… You'll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, 'You're far happier giving than getting.'” Have you discovered that in your life? Another translation says, “‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (NIV). This is the joy of giving! The joy of giving comes from a contented life. The church in Philippi understood that. When Paul wrote to them revealing the secret of contentment. He said, “As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness. At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:15-19 (NLT)
Commenting on this passage, author and pastor Warren Wiersbe said, “There is an interesting contrast between Philippians 4:18 and 19. We might state it this way if we were to paraphrase Paul: "You met my need, and God is going to meet your need. You met one need that I have, but my God will meet all of your needs. You gave out of your poverty, but God will supply your needs out of His riches in glory!" Wow! The joy of giving keeps on giving doesn’t it?! How is that? Because we can never ever outgive God! He is the Giver of every good and perfect gift! That’s why Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
In other words, do your giving while you’re living so you’ll have the joy of knowing where it’s going!
If you’ve never experienced the joy of giving then here’s your Joy Challenge – Try it! I double-dare you. See if you’re heart will not well up with joy when you give. Giving will demonstrate your dependence on God and express your gratitude to God for all He’s given you. I challenge you with the joy of giving not in order to receive anything but as Paul said, “I want you to receive the blessing that comes from giving.” Philippians 4:17 (CEV)
Printed copies of The Joy Challenge devotional are available at The Joy Challenge - Kerry Shook Ministries.