As Christians, we know that God provides. In the GEO Principle, it is explained that the purpose of work is not to provide for self, but to grow closer to God.
People who believe that they provide for themselves are probably less likely to ever believe they have been sufficiently provided for. They judge themselves quite harshly, particularly if “the Jones’s” serve as the measuring stick. In other words, when you believe that you are getting everything entirely of your own accord, you are less likely to ever believe that you have enough because some people will always have more than you. This may prevent you from turning your attention to others. The sense that you need more may block any thinking that some of your provisions could be channeled to others.
I think it is easier to look beyond yourself if you accept that God does the providing. If you believe that God is doing His job, and that you have what you need, then you are in a pretty good position to look to others to help them. Once your own needs are satisfied, it becomes more likely that you will turn your attention to endeavors that help others, not solely yourself.
Before most people will begin to think about giving to charity, they need to feel like they have what they need. Before people will typically devote time to others, they have to feel like they have enough for themselves. That’s just human nature.
Consider two people. One believes he has to provide for himself. He has two cars. The other believes it is God who provides. This person has only one car. Now, let’s assume one of these people decides to donate $1,000 to a charity serving underprivileged children. Which one do you think would be more likely to make such a commitment? I say it is the person with only one car but with the belief that God provides. The person who believes he has to provide for himself is likely to believe he still needs a truck and a boat.
If you believe that everything you have is a gift, then I think your are more inclined to believe you have enough. If you believe you have everything as a result of your own hard work, then I think human nature dictates that you will never believe you have enough.
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