Devotions: The Standard of Measure

Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.

Luke 6:38 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

This follows the previous verses’ establishment of our lives being based on our actions rather than those of others. Instead of our generosity being based on what we have, what we have will be based on our generosity. This is not a “prosperity gospel” teaching, saying that if one gives $1000, he will get that much back. God is not a genie in a bottle or a mathematic equation. And we should not use Him to get what we want. True generosity is giving out of the goodness of our hearts because we want to honor God and help others. As with mercy and forgiveness, if we are generous to others, God will be generous with us. It is the attitude and motive that is important here. Selfishness breeds and yields selfishness. God does not reward ungodliness. He rewards true godliness. And He rewards based on our hearts and actions. By our standard of measure, it will be measured back to us. We should not expect to be rewarded for being stingy or cold. But then we shouldn’t expect to be rewarded at all. That should not be our motive. But the way we live determines how our lives will be. We will still have troubles and suffering, but life will be a reward if our hearts mirror God’s, or a misery if they don’t. What does your mirror show?