God’s Economy vs Our Economy

God’s economy and our economy is totally backwards from what comes naturally to us. They are in conflict with one another. In fact, it could even be confusing to some. Here is what our economy teaches:

Our Economy: What we GET determines what we GIVE

This concept is based on a scarcity mentality. Scarcity is driven by fear. It believes that you must first get your own before you can do anything else. It is selfish and scared. It seeks security out of a sense of fright. It says, “When I am satisfied, then I will…” The problem is that it requires no faith. And faith is the currency of Heaven. The writer of Hebrews told us about how powerful faith is…How God actually operates is the total opposite.

Hebrews 11:6a (NIV)

“And without faith it is impossible to please God…”

Here is what God’s economy is based on:

God’s Economy: What we GIVE determines what we GET

You see, this requires faith and God responds to our faith. It is when we give out of what we don’t have that God gives us what we need. The more we give, the more God gives to us. We become a conduit for God’ blessings to flow to us and through us. It doesn’t make sense to our natural mind. It’s kind of like exercising. The more you give energy, the more energy you get. But the more you sit on the couch doing nothing (even though you think you are saving energy) the less energy you’ll have. It’s because what you give determines what you get.

Luke 6:38 (NIV)

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

What you sow you will reap. But you have to sow seed in order to get your need. It requires you to step out in faith and let go of what you have so God can give you what you don’t have. We have to sacrifice in order to gain, or as my mentor, Dr. John C. Maxwell taught me, “You have to give up in order to go up.”

Robert Louis Stevenson said, “Judge each day not by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant.” God measures our life by our contribution, not our consumption. In my book Life Rules this is Rule #2 to live by…CONTRIBUTE More Than You CONSUME. What you make happen for others, God tends to make happen for you.

What we GIVE determines what we GET. So, take your love and give it away, and you’ll be loved back. Take your skills and give them away, so that you’ll gain greater skills. Invest your finances into impacting other people and you’ll receive more resources as a result. Take your time and use it to serve others and you’ll be blessed with greater margin. Remember, it’s totally backwards from our natural way of thinking, but it’s God’s way of blessing.