years ago, while i was working in an area not too far from Cleveland, I met a man who had lived and worked for several years among some of the great rock musicians and rock bands of his time- from Paul McCartney to Eric Clapton. He had an extensive collection of memorabilia, including a number of signed guitars musicians had given him.
i forgot about the time as he told me the stories behind each instrument, funny things that had happened to him, and some of the nicer people he had worked with. As we walked toward my vehicle, he stopped me.
“There are two kinds of people in this world- givers and takers. I have seen a lot of takers, and i have seen a few givers.”
when i went home that evening, what he said resonated within. and looking back, i can say the same- i have met a lot of takers, and a few givers. and i have met people who gave of themselves so much they lured their prey into ruin, taking everything they could.
and some do not even realize they are takers. they may give, give, give….but they do it to get back even more. love is not so. love is unselfish, love is kind, it does not covet. it is difficult to be a taker and not covet; it is a taker’s nature to covet.
while i cannot recall Jesus ever using such words- within the Bible- the Lord encourages us to give. Giving is at the heart of the gospel itself. Jesus gave Himself as a sacrifice. What greater gift is there than laying down your life?
and while there are many takers, i have met mothers who lay down their lives daily, giving their all to raise their child with all the love within them. i have met men and women who have persevered through hardship to remain one in marriage- till death do them part. and i have met those who kept promises, giving when nothing was received, awaiting a heavenly reward, steadfast to the end.
on the other hand, the evil one comes to kill, steal, and destroy. the evil one is the ultimate taker. there is a way that does seem right to a person, but it ends in destruction because it does not reflect the love of the Ultimate Giver who gave His life.
