As I begin my student internship with International Steward, I am immersed once again in the theology behind Biblical stewardship, and the importance of giving of one’s resources to those in need. I have heard these things before – growing up in a Christian fmaily, going to church regularly, etc…and yet, as is typically the case, my response often sounds like “I would like to give, but I just don’t have anything to give.”

I think at least the feeling behind that statement can be justified. I’m a married college student with one son, and another baby on the way. I work two jobs that give me an income that still falls below the poverty level. My family and I are living in the upstairs bedroom at my parents’ house, and we are barely making end’s meet. So yes, it is easy for me to feel like there’s nothing for me to give.

But then I’m directed to 2 Corinthians 8, where Paul boasts of the grace of giving that the Macedonians exhibited – giving what they had, and beyond their ability. Initially I feel the paigns of guilt as I read of those who were most likely worse off than I ever will be, giving more than I do. However, I’m encouraged as I read in verses 8 and 9 where Paul’s emphasis lies, and where the motivation for giving is found: when we compare our love to that of Christ’s.

This idea of “God Owns Everything, I Own Nothing” is not simply rooted in a fatalistic concept that I should give of my resources because it’s not mine anyways. It goes beyond that. God owns everything, and as His child, he has graciously given me everything I need, and blesses me beyond what I need. Not because I deserved any of it, but because of His great love for me, and for you. So now, as I am energized by the overwhelming joy of God’s grace – I am filled with a desire to show that love toward others.

I usually hear this concept of contemplating God’s goodness as a motivation for evangelism – and although it is an appropriate application, I find it interesting that Paul chooses to highlight God’s goodness as a motivation for the simple act of selflessly giving whatever I can to someone else who needs it.

When I begin to fall into the attitude of “I have nothing to give,” it acts as a spiritual barometer showing me my focus has veered off-course. It doesn’t matter whether I give financially, or of any other resource. What matters to God, and what is acceptable to Him, is that I give what I can and that my attitude is not “I have nothing to give,” but rather, “I have nothing to withhold.”

Jonathan Michael

-Student Intern