“Takers take credit , while givers give credit. They are we people, not me people. Nitpicking about pronouns may seem overly analytical, but pronouns reveals what’s in our hearts. Jesus said, ‘The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.’ “- Mark Batterson
As Mark Batterson continues Chapter 14 of Double Blessing, he revisits the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. First, Pastor Batterson makes an observation. Everyone loves a miracle. However, no one desires to be in a situation that requires one. Of course, Mark notes, you can’t have one without the other. Because, by definition, a miracle occurs in response to an impossible situation.
As a result, Jesus set Philip up for the feeding of the five thousand with a pop quiz. So, when Jesus asked Philip the obvious question about where to buy food for the crowd to eat, He already knew the answer. And, Pastor Batterson finds this awfully reassuring. Because God still has a game plan, even when we feel like we are up a creek without a paddle. Also, it takes a setback to make a comeback.
Therefore, things don’t just add up when you put what you have in God’s hands. Instead, they multiply. Hence, your generosity = someone else’s miracle. Finally, Pastor Batterson highlights the difference between takers and givers.
Takers
– heroes of their own stories
– possess a distinctive signature — they like to get more than they give
– tilt reciprocity in their own favor
– view life as a zero-sum game played with a scarcity mentality
– person with the most toys at the end of the game wins
– more likely to use first-person singular pronouns (me, myself, and I)
Givers
– love to add value
– lead with blessing
– goal always to outgive others, because it’s all from God and for God
– view life as a win-win proposition
– operate with an abundance mentality that underpins their double-blessing mindset
– more likely to use first-person plural pronouns ( we, us, and ours)
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you resist acting as takers take credit? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the February Short Meditation, “Start lighting candles – quit cursing the darkness”
