A Spiritual Checkup

“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor. 9:6-7

When you go to a doctor for you annual checkup, he or she will often begin to poke, prod, and press various places, all the while asking, “Does it hurt? How about this?” If you cry out in pain, one of two things has happened - Either the doctor has pushed too hard, without the right sensitivity, or, more likely, there’s something wrong, and the doctor will say, “We’d better do some more tests; it’s not supposed to hurt there!”

So it is when ministers preach on financial responsibility, and certain members cry out in discomfort, criticizing the message and the messenger - Either the pastor has pushed too hard, or perhaps there’s something wrong. In that case, my friend, we’re in need of the Great Physician because it’s not supposed to hurt there.

We’re never more like God than when we give. You want joy? Then give with a cheerful heart and see if it doesn’t change your attitude.