God’s Mathematics

mathematicsIn grade school we learned fundamentals of mathematics of add, subtract, multiply and divide. We can manipulate numbers for increase or decrease. Usually we think of getting more when we add or multiply, or less when we subtract or divide. Let’s look at God’s math in the gospels.

ADDITION Matt 6:28-34
In the world, we work hard and seek the things we need such as food, shelter, clothing. Jesus tells us not to seek those things, even though we need them. If we “seek first the Kingdom of God,” then all these things will be added to us.” We are not to strive, collect, or store up. When we seek Him, He provides what we need. Seeking first the kingdom means to live your life in a way acceptable to God seeking him and not stuff.

SUBTRACTION Matt 25:14-30
Once we are given things from the Lord we cannot assume it will be ours permanently. In the parable of the talents, we learn that just storing what we have is not a guarantee it will always be there. Instead, forfeiture is the result of storing what was meant to be invested. When we invest what we have been given, we not only get a return on our investment but more will be given to us to invest. We can turn subtraction into multiplication.

MULTIPLICATION Luke 6:38
Addition is good but multiplication is better. How do we live in multiplication? Give what you already have. That seems counter-productive in the natural. God tells us that when we give, it will be given back to us “in good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.”  When we give of ourselves, be it talent, time, money, knowledge, or skill, it will be multiplied to us. That is greater than addition.

DIVISION Matt 25:31
God also divides. He will divide the flock into two groups: Sheep are those who “do for others” and goats are those who “do not do for others”. The goats will not reap the same benefits as the sheep. God’s division is not based on chance but on our choice to serve. We can choose the group we want to be in by our actions.

Check your biblical math life style today.
If you need something you don’t already have, SEEK THE KINGDOM.
If you want more of what you do have, GIVE.
If you HIDE what you have, you will have less
If you will be separated according to how you SERVE others. Servers are rewarded.