In Giving, We Receive

Sun, Apr 1, 2018

4 MIN READ

Opinion

By Paul Ejime

It takes the grace of God to recalibrate our human reasoning, which is driven by an insatiable propensity for acquisition. Our world, governed by the principles of capitalism is denominated by multiplication syndrome. We are told that we must invest to get more. Modern day religion also teaches that we must “sow seed” to reap a bumper harvest! These are partially true in principle.

But the devil is always in the detail of the intention of the advocates and what becomes of the harvest, which in most cases does not benefit the seed sower. The deception often revolves around the selfish interest of the preacher. Even so, we cannot dismiss or abandon the principle of “seed sowing,” because of this skewed interpretation. Sowing is beautiful and rewarding. A farmer who fails to sow or consumes his seed, toys his own future, the future of his dependants and prosperity.

During this Special Season, I wanted us to reflect on the many benefits of giving, which encompasses care, compassion, consideration, and sparing a thought for others. Arguably man and woman are selfish Homo sapiens.

The human instinct is nurtured by self-preservation. But many of us have taken this logic to the ridiculous level of “Self first,” “Me,” “I” and “Self alone.” This is not only delusional and counter-productive, but also defeats the purpose of life. Life is not about what or how much we acquire or possess, but about the number of people we touch.

Thinking, acting or even working solely for self, adds no value to life or living, the same way that one million dollars hidden in a closet does not appreciate in value compared to when it is invested or spent on a useful cause.

In the spirit of the Season, the giving we are talking about here is not limited to our earthly possessions, which in any case, are given to us by God. Without Him we are and own nothing. So, if all that we have and are belong to Him, why then do we trouble ourselves in senseless acquisition?

Beyond that, the giving we are advocating here is also about service, sacrifice, self-abnegation, denying or giving self in consideration for others. In our materialistic World, which ironically is dominated by poverty, it is very easy for many to plead “lack” of anything to give others.

But the truth is that no Creation of God is worthless or zero-poor. The trees provide us with shed, paper and wood, cotton gives us fabrics, from rubber trees we can get vehicle tyres, hides and skin will give us shoes (if we do not consume them as “pomo/meat”), we get oxygen from the air, medicine from plants, fish from the river, while the Sun provides light for us and plants. Even cow dung is useful as manure, and with technology, wastes are now turned into wealth. The list is endless.

Similarly, with God’s grace of 3Ts – Time, Talent and Treasure – no human being is “empty” or so “poor” without something to give.

Since we all came to the world with nothing and will leave it taking only our souls to our Creator, acquisition makes no sense.

The prayer, therefore, my dear people, is for God to give us the grace to use or give back what has been given to us free, to make the world a better place.

Needs scream for attention around us! The principle of giving is very simple: the same way that a good seed transforms into a bountiful harvest, our giving, service or sacrifice, will produce its own “harvest” of joy, peace and happiness in us and others all to the Glory of our God.

Happy Easter and best wishes to all!