God’s Economy

I love what Finnick Odair said in the Hunger Games, ” I haven’t dealt in anything as common as money in years.”

God doesn’t either.

I think of this quote when I think about the many ways God works in our lives.  Sure, God blesses us with money, jobs, material stuff….things we need and even things we want. I’m so thankful!!

But, God’s real currency? I believe God’s real currency is encouragement. God deals in building people up. God makes deposits and pays dividends in encouragement.

There have been so many times that I’ve wondered “Am I doing any good at this?”, “Is this making a difference?”, “Is this helping anybody?”

And sure enough at just the right time, I’d receive a note in the mail or an email or a text saying exactly what I needed to hear. I admit it feels good to be noticed or praised. I’ve had to work at not ‘needing’ it.

This kind of encouragement, though, doesn’t stroke the ego. Those notes and emails are affirmations to my questions. They are heavenly deposits into my soul. God pours into my heart love, hope, joy worth more than dollars and cents. These deposits are eternal. They keep me going.

 

Yes, it’s worth the time. Yes, this is making a difference. Yes, I can keep going.

On the flip side….giving out encouragement to others is also a joy.

I love being used in God’s economy to bless, love, and encourage others. Making deposits into the lives of family, friends, co-workers brings me as much joy as when I receive it from others.

What I have found is encouraging others cost me little in terms of time, energy, and expenses. All it really takes is to be intentional and to take notice.

“That color looks great on you!”

“How’s your grandma?” (remembering when she told me about her grandma last week)

“You are doing a great job!”

One of my favorite ways to encourage others is to leave cute, little notes of Scripture or quotes for folks to find. I LOVE the free downloads and other products by MaryDeanDraws. Her cards and color sheets are easy to print, color (if needed), and cut. Ready to go! I’ve used them with co-workers, ministry events and even with my kids and husband.

What can you do to be used in God’s economy?

It doesn’t take any special talent to write a note or give a hug. Sharing how something impacted you is such a small thing but can make a BIG difference to the one who gave of herself. Saying an encouraging word to the pastor’s wife, the nursery worker, the co-worker, the family member is so simple. To you, it may seem like dropping pennies…not a big deal. But to that person, it could feel like winning the Lottery!!!

One last thought……when the thought comes to mind to encourage someone, DON’T WAIT. Don’t put if off! Do it right then! If the opportunity passes, you might not get another chance. Trust me, I’ve let it pass and then felt awful when I missed my chance.

God’s intangibles are priceless. God’s economy is powerful and effective. God’s encouragement is worth more than silver and gold.

I’d love to hear how God’s economy has worked in your life. How are you being used to encourage others?

~Amy