One upon a time along long time ago, I had a job at a fast food restaurant, Taco Bell.

I was working with several other employees on a slow evening. I had gone up to my register when someone came in and shoved a shotgun in my face and said, give me your wallet, he then took my wallet and all the other workers wallets and a few customers wallets that were eating in the dinning room. He also cleaned out the register.

I guess the guy who robbed us did not realize that we all were minimum wage employees and really did not get away with much. (By the way minimum wage back then was $3.10 per hour.) When he left I was mad. He took money that he did not earn.

I have in my day run into people that will take all that they can from others. As long as you have something that they need they will keep you around. If you are reading this you have to ask yourself, am I like this? Do I take more than I give?

The most unhappy people I have ever met are the takers. There is a body of water in Israel called the Dead Sea, a place nothing can live in, because of the dead sea's salt content. While visiting there, I asked our guide why is the Dead Sea, like this and he told me that the dead sea receives but does not give. Unlike the sea of Galilee which is teaming with life. It receives and gives.

On the other hand the most happy people are those who continually give. They are usually upbeat and positive. There are Christians out there that will beat you up with the bible. Point out all of your sins and that's all that they are good for. These people are takers as well. You usually will not see them feeding the hungry, giving of themselves or there resources to others. They have never taken 5 minutes to disciple a young believer.

So what are a giver or a taker?
If you are of the later, do something today to change your ways.

Remember John 3 16 for God so loved the world that he GAVE!!!!!
So should we.

Jim Laverde