Discerning when to accept gifts and services and when not to accept.
George (my momma) taught me from an early age to not “borrow, take, or accept” things from people. As it always is, you never understand the reason for parental discipline until you grow in wisdom. I’ve noticed on several occasions that people like to take credit when they bless you. How many of us experienced this first hand?
“I taught her how to dress like that!”
“I remember when he had nothing and I used to …”
“I gave her those…”
“If it wasn’t for me, he wouldn’t know how to…”
It is indeed a skill, knowing how to balance when to receive and when not to receive from people. Because while there are dangers in accepting any sort of gifts, you also don’t want to block the blessings of others who want to sow into your life. The key is to discern what gifts and services are to be accepted and which ones are to be rejected.
One day during my quiet time with God, I was reading Genesis 14 and the Holy Spirit revealed something very important to me. In this chapter, the King of Sodom wanted to give Abram (Abraham) gifts.
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’
Abraham, the prophet of God, understood that his blessings would come from God. He also understood the way men think. He made a vow to his God that he wouldn’t take anything from the king, probably remembering the promises God made to him in Genesis chapter 12. And chapter 15 starting with “AFTER THIS” explains to us that shortly after God made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants.
Please understand that God honors faith! And when we trust Him to bless us and give us wealth, He can and will honor our faith. It isn’t a crime to receive from people; but it is better to trust God for your provision. So that when you do receive your blessings, you have no choice but to give God alone glory and praise.
This Anthropologie embroidered set doesn’t get much play on JMTR because it’s way too striking. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a favorite. Unfortunately it’s sold out, but click on the pictures below to shop similar items!
