How Big Is Your Shovel?

Picture this: A small child is playing in a sandbox in the back yard, moving sand into a pile with a toy shovel. In a lot down the street, a large earth moving machine is leveling the ground to make way for a new house. Both individuals are happy, if not proud, of the progress they’re making. But how would you view their progress? How would you compare their progress? What are they really accomplishing with their shovels?

There’s an interesting and challenging saying from Jesus that I’ve pondered: “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” (Luke 6:38). The basic teaching about giving is clear in Scripture. A lifestyle of giving reflects the character of God. “For God so loved the world that he gave….” Giving and receiving are a constant cycle in our lives, starting with giving. We give and we receive so we can give again, etc., etc. But Jesus then adds a comment about the measure we use when we give. If we use a “good measure,” a dynamic process of receiving kicks in. A “good measure” results in an abundance “running over.” The reference is to a farmer getting ready to sow seeds. One commentator notes, “The image here is of a measuring container into which as much grain as possible is packed; it is then shaken to allow the grain to settle, and more is poured in till the container overflows. Pouring it ‘into the lap’ refers to the fold in the garment used as a pocket or pouch.” The promise is that a good measure will result in the same kind of measure being “measured to you,” an abundant repayment. Here are a couple of other translations of this great verse: “Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity” (The Message). “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back” (New Living Translation).

When you and I give, we start with a certain kind of shovel, a particular measure. The measure we use reflects other, deeper things going on in our hearts and lives. A good measure that reflects a good heart is evidence of an attitude of faith, hope, and confidence in God. It is a demonstration of an open heart and an open hand. The Bible calls this heart condition and character trait “generosity.” However, we occasionally find ourselves fearful, uncertain, lacking in hope and trust. The result is a closed heart and a closed hand. The Bible calls this “stingy,” an attitude of withholding and holding on. Since we receive in accordance with what we give and the spirit with which we give it, there is little room in a closed hand to give or to receive.

Generosity and stinginess are often contrasted in Scripture. “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell” (Proverbs 11:24-26). Generosity reflects a commitment to blessing and refreshing others. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Generosity is a free, voluntary expression of live, never compelled. Those who have more than enough in the faith community, the “rich,” are encouraged to take advantage of their excess to be generosity on every occasion. “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Let me make a bold statement: God always blessed generosity; God never blesses stinginess. “Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to” (Deuteronomy 15:10), and “Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice” (Psalm 112:5). But please remember that this has to do with our whole lives, not just with material things. In fact, the context of Luke 6:38 speaks of loving your enemies as well as giving material support to those who ask; it speaks of mercy and forgiveness (verses 27-37). Generosity is a lifestyle, not a momentary choice. During difficult, challenging times, our natural inclination is to guard our hearts and close our hands, to be stingy. Unfortunately, that instinctive response cuts us off from the blessings of the Lord. May God give us the grace and strength to keep our hearts and hands open and to allow God’s abundant blessings to flow to and through our lives.