Give It All You’ve Got

<p><em>Scaling.</em> It&rsquo;s a term used in the world of fitness that allows room for anyone to participate. If the specific exercise is a push-up, for example, then maybe you can do ten in a row but I can only do four. The instructor&rsquo;s encouragement to me would be to <em>scale</em> back the push-up according to my fitness level at the time. We&rsquo;re not all at the same level but we can all move in the same direction. In other words, she would say, &ldquo;Do your four push-ups with all the strength you have. Don&rsquo;t compare yourself with anyone else. Scale the movement for now, keep doing what you can do, and you may be amazed in time you&rsquo;re doing seven, and even one day, ten.&rdquo;</p> <p>When it comes to giving, the apostle Paul was clear: &ldquo;God loves a cheerful giver&rdquo; (2 Corinthians 9:7). But his encouragement to the believers in Corinth, and to us, is a variation of scaling. &ldquo;Each of you should give what you decide in your heart&rdquo; (v.7). We each find ourselves at differing giving levels, and sometimes those levels change over time. Comparison is not beneficial, but attitude is. Based on where you are, give &ldquo;generously&rdquo; (v. 6). Our God has promised that the disciplined practice of such cheerful giving brings enrichment in every way with a blessed life that results in &ldquo;thanksgiving to God&rdquo; (v. 11).</p>