Can you become like a river?

This week, I want to look together at the topic of generosity. Generosity is all about a spiritual and emotional mindset. It requires us to live in faith and release instead of fear and withholding.

The Bible teaches us, “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 11:24, NKJV) The greatest analogy I can think of is becoming a river rather than a swamp. 

Have you ever been in a river or a swamp? I have, and the contrast is striking. A river is generally fresh, fast, and full of fish. I used to have an old cabin next to a river. It was loud and full of life. Birds, fish, deer, and other animals would feast at its shores. A river mentality gives time, energy, money, resources, and talents away on a daily basis. A river mentality person sees all blessings as resources to steward or release and not keep.

Are you this kind of person? 

The swamp mentality is full of fear and insecurity. There is no release, just stagnant clutching to things and junk. The swamp doesn’t let go, doesn’t give.

The famous patriarch Isaac lived with this type of mindset. He firmly believed that he only had one blessing to give, so his children fought, lied, and cheated to get it. It was so sad. 

Do you have only one blessing to give? Wouldn’t you like to give it all away and live like a river? The Bible says, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35, NIV)

I believe a river mentality is all about being generous daily. I hope and pray you will renounce all fear and start a new way of living. Choose to be a giver, not a taker, and you will have the best of the river life.

Because you’re a miracle.