Most people don’t realize it, but their lives are shaped by one of two mindsets: giving or taking. You don’t have to teach a child to take. From the time we’re toddlers, the word “mine” surfaces naturally. We crave. We want. We reach. And in many ways, we never stop.
Even as adults, we often measure life by what we can get. We chase after financial gain, recognition, affection, comfort, and security. It's subtle, but this "getting" mentality dominates how we think, plan, and even pray. It becomes a version of faith that constantly asks, “What can God do for me today?” rather than “How can I reflect Jesus today?”
When I first gave my life to the Lord, I was broke—financially and directionally. My checkbook was constantly overdrawn. I didn’t even know how to balance it properly. I lived paycheck to paycheck, usually sliding a little further into the hole each time. I had no real vision for my life—other than trying to have a good time while I could. My life wasn’t evil, but it was empty. I was a taker, not because I wanted to be selfish, but because I didn’t know there was anything else.
And then someone shared Jesus with me. They invited me to a Bible-teaching church, and that invitation changed everything. My entire life was turned upside down—every last drop of it.
As I started learning about Jesus, biblical stewardship, and the promises of God, my world began to take shape for the first time. I learned that God wasn’t just distant and holy—He was good. He wanted to bless every area of my life. He cared about my future, my finances, my relationships, and even my mindset. I began to understand that tithing wasn’t a religious rule but a doorway to trust, provision, and partnership with God.
Because I had little to nothing, I craved every blessing God had for me—and you know what? That wasn’t wrong. It was good. It taught me how real God is and how powerfully He works when we trust, obey, and pray. I needed to see His supernatural hand in my life. And He showed up again and again.
But over time, Jesus began teaching me something more profound. He didn’t want me to stay in the mindset of just receiving. He wanted to complete my mindset with understanding that your transformed mindset begins with giving, not receiving. Not just financially—but in spirit, time, love, compassion, and purpose. I let these words from Him ring in my ear and heart every day! Luke 6:38 (NLT) 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.”
He was gently transforming my heart from being a consumer of His blessings to becoming a channel through which His blessings could reach others.
That’s who Jesus is. He is the ultimate giver. He gave His time. He gave healing. He gave the truth. He gave His very life. And now, He invites us to walk that same path—not out of pressure, but out of love. Not out of religious duty, but because we’ve tasted His goodness and can’t help but want to share it.
Recently, the Lord stirred my heart to discuss this with you. Maybe you’ve lived as a taker too—just trying to get by, craving a better life, and hoping God would come through. And perhaps He has. But now, He may be gently nudging your heart the way He did mine: Don’t just receive. Become a giver. Be a blessing. Reflect Me.
This is just the beginning of the journey. In Part Two, we’ll talk about how to practically live out a giver’s life in a world that constantly tells us to take more.
“Freely you have received; freely give.” – Matthew 10:8
