The Exchange Principle
Isn't it true that often we hear or learn things that make sense to our logical minds? But later, a life lesson or a revelation from God comes along that explains that very same principle to us. Explains it to us in a way that empowers and equips us to leverage for a greater purpose. A greater purpose we can use for the rest of our lives? For example, when we were all teenagers we studied the rules of the road and how to operate a car. It wasn't until we actually got behind the wheel and took our first road trip that the experience of it all taught our minds and hearts what it really means to be a driver. Well, I had one of those moments recently while reading through scripture. Let me explain.Several years ago, one of my best friends was visiting home for Christmas. He was living in Australia attending Hillsong Bible College. While here in Florida we had the opportunity to have a lot of meaningful conversations. Conversations about life, people, Jesus and the principles in life most are oblivious too. One such conversation was an account of my friend speaking with one of his instructors. They were speaking about a need he was having at the time. He recounted to me approximately the following dialog:My Friend: “I just want more _______ in my life right now and I don’t know how to get it.”Instructor: “Friend, if you want or need more ______, then go out and give _______ away to those who need it.”My Friend: (momentary shock)… “That’s very intelligent! I’ll start doing that from now on.”
At that time I had a logical grasp of the principle that he was referring to. The principle that says: You reap what you sow.
That made sense to me so I filed that realization in my mind as “things I already know”, which is, strangely enough, the place in our lives where we all tend to have the most gaps in reasoning. It wasn’t until that moment in scripture as I was reading through the book of James in the Bible that the revelation of that message struck me. It struck me in a way that immediately empowered and equipped me to gain a different perspective on life. In James chapter 2, verses 12-13 the Holy Spirit says through James:
“So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.”
So what was the revelation that I had? It was simply this; we can govern what we get from God by what we give away to others.
I believe that God, in his grace and love, has given us such great promises to equip and empower us to live extraordinary lives, yet we often settle for such sub-par, comfortable mediocrity instead. What if God really does give us what we choose to give away to others in need? How would that change things for you? Do you want more friendships in your life? More money, more influence, more Joy? Do you want more confidence? The worldly system says that you get what you earn or what you take. God says you get what you give away. Let’s start holding God accountable to his word and begin leveraging his promises to us in a more practical way. After all, that’s exactly what He wants us to do.
Related Post: Why God Can Never Be Over-Appreciated
Food for thought: What do you want to see increase in your life? Write it down and start practicing giving that away to those in need and watch as God upholds his promise to you from the exchange principle.