And I must say here, this does not come automatically, we have to work at it and develop it, and many times we grit our teeth as we think we fail every now and again, but I will end with this analogy, it is the best I can up with, it is crude … but think of yourself when you give your offering, (and I am not condemning anyone). Then think of the process that “may” go through you mind, budgeting for will happen in the week to come, and so you come to a conclusion as to your donation.
Right, now forget that process, and think of strength through humility. Can you imaging the offering plate coming round, and then putting your hand in your pocket only to find a £100 pound note, then putting that into the collection, knowing … knowing full well that it will be returned to you 100 fold, within a few weeks. That would change your giving, that is strength through humility; it is giving knowing that you will be blessed because of your giving; not just in money, but in every area of your life.
I will finish by giving you some familiar Christian attributes; attributes the world laughs at, but hopefully you will see them in a new light. Remember, humility requires strength and faith from the giver, before they can give; from which more strength and power will grow. You have heard them all before, but now look at them:
If we want to be first, we need to be … the last.
If we want to become great … we need to become least.
If we want to be free … we need to give God control.
The way of success is through … service to others.
God’s power is made perfect, where … in our weaknesses.
The way to eternal life … is through death – death to ourselves
And finally, here is a warning, this strength through humility is not instant; like all good skills, it takes years of training, so we must start at the bottom and slowly develop our faith … and let it grow one small step at a time. Luke 6:38 says “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over … For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” You see, you cannot give properly, as Jesus would give, unless the measure you use … is his strength through your humility.