Arithmetic
If you have 5 apples and give 2 away, how many apples do you have?
We probably all have been given a similar math problem when we were young. We were taught the answer is 3, we have 3 apples left. However, let me have you rethink your calculation and say the answer is not 3. You probably are thinking we have lost our minds but stay with us for a minute.
For years we were taught when you take something away, it leaves less for you. If it leaves less for us, why would we want to give any away? We need to keep for ourselves. If I have 5 apples, why would I give 2 away? I may need those 2.
We recently saw a lot of accumulation going on in our society. When COVID first hit, people started to hoard toilet paper. There was no concern of others, but rather ensure the accumulation for oneself was met. Next came milk, bottled water, etc. There was no subtraction, only addition. We went from 5 apples to 105 apples. This is how we are taught.
However, God has been trying to teach us a new math. A godly math. Let’s look at a math lesson our Lord Jesus gave to us:
Luke 6:38
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Does this add up to the math we have been taught our entire lives? Is addition by subtraction really the new math? According to God, it is. If you give, you will be given.
Proverbs 11:24-25
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
What we learn from the math lesson in Proverbs is those which give, will increase. The ones who withhold, will not. Again, an opposite calculation from what we have been taught our entire lives. Therefore, the stores were out of toilet paper, milk and other such items, because we were looking at math with our physical eyes.
During the time of COVID when many were hoarding and accumulating, we had someone talk to us about having enough for their family. They mentioned accumulating toilet paper and other such essentials. We reminded them to be wise and care for their family and ensure they were supplying needs, but if they had a garage full of toilet paper and found their enemy was without, if they wanted to be a true follower of Christ, they would need to give to their enemy.
Romans 12:20
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Proverbs 25:21-22
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heaps coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
Are we willing to do math according to the Word of God? Are we willing to give of our excess, even to our enemy, if they have need?
Let’s look at this question again: “If you have 5 apples and give 2 away, how many apples do you have?”
Your answer determines your trust in God and His Word. Remember, in serving God it is a walk of faith, not by sight. The 5 apples and giving 2 away and having 3 remaining is a calculation by sight. However, the 5 apples and giving 2 away and knowing you have an overflowing bushel of apples remaining is a walk by faith. How are we living for God? By sight (2 apples) or by faith (overflowing bushel of apples).
