This article was written by Lakita Humber who serves as the founder of Paneh – A ministry which exists to educate, impart and equip those called to worship arts on a variety of subjects, such as D.A.N.C.E. Out of Debt.
Is There a Such Thing as a Free Lunch?
One of the tenets of economics is “There is no such thing as a free lunch.” The underlying concept is you cannot get “something for nothing.” The phrase originates from 19th century American saloons attracting drinkers by offering them a free lunch. The catch was, in order to get the “free” meal, you had to purchase a drink. Some saloon keepers were prosecuted for false advertisement. (Source) Ironically, this type of advertising campaign is still in existence and actually accepted today.
I began to wonder if there was such a thing as a “free lunch?” Is it possible to get something for nothing? Is there a hidden agenda behind every act of generosity? Is altruism nothing more than a pipe dream? Since part of the Christian faith is generosity and giving, I believe there IS such a thing as a free lunch – even if I’m the one providing it! The Bible has quite a bit to say about giving:
“Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” – Deuteronomy 15:10
“He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.” – Proverbs 22:9
“If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,’ and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?” – James 2:15-16
As a participant in the 10-Day Give project I was able to observe the responses of some of the campaign recipients. Many offered some form of immediate reciprocation. For example, if I picked up the tab for lunch, they immediately offered to do the same next time. I told them that it was not necessary. For me, the promise of reciprocity negated the point of the giving project. For the most part, they were being polite. Admittedly, if the roles were reversed I would have offered as well. Still I can’t help but wonder; have we become cynical about giving and receiving?
Most advertisers, marketers and businesses are giving to receive. There is nothing wrong with that, their agenda is to make a profit. For example, FreeCreditReport.com will give you a “free” copy of your credit report once they sign you up for a monthly paid credit monitoring service. Many foundations and individuals give to charities and non-profits to receive the tax write-off. Other companies give money or promotional items in exchange for publicity.
Again, I don’t believe there is anything wrong with giving in order to receive; however, this should not be confused with selfless generosity. Many of us are business owners and entrepreneurs and therefore rely on the direct and indirect benefits of giving – great! Every once in a while let’s remember to give without expectation (except the promise outlined in Luke 6:38). It may be as simple as providing someone with a free lunch!
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i personally think that there is nothing like a free lunch and more often than not everyone that gives you something or does something nice to you is still doing so with a form of self benefit involved. I am not being cynical here, i just have an unbiased accurate observation. But i have been wrong before
Lakita,
This is a wonderful post! I agree that there IS such a thing as a Free Lunch! I think it all begins with your mindset. I can offer to pay for someone’s lunch, dinner, groceries, parking fee, etc. but my mindset has to be that of service in the love of Christ – NOT to hopefully get my lunch free next time.
I think it would be great to challenge every person that reads this to find at least one person over the next week to give a Free “lunch” to. It may be waiving a signup fee for a business, or giving a gift just because, whatever it is, try it! But remember – don’t expect ANYTHING in return! In fact, expect NOTHING in return!!
Insightful post. It is hard to give in a way as to not try to receive some self benefit (even if it is to pat yourself on the back). I think it’s a good call to challenge us to give with no expectation.
I also think we need to realize too that the Bible talks greatly about rewards that we will receive in heaven. And honestly I don’t think there’s anything wrong with giving to receive eternal benefits.
Let’s not do it for the praise from man, but rather the praise from God.
Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven! Thanks for the post!
@Charissa – I think that is an excellent challenge. I for one accept!
@Jason – I agree! Let’s store up our treasures in heavenly places. The praises of man are conditional and temporary…but only what we do for Christ will last
Kita
My pastor put it best when he said “You should not give to receive, but give to receive to give more!” Thank you for the great post!
@Jason I agree, it’s very, very difficult to give with no expectations – that’s why I called for the challenge, I want to see if it CAN be done. I would love to hear everyone’s stories if they choose to accept the challenge
I also agree Jason that we SHOULD expect treasures in heaven for the service we do on earth, however, those gifts are waiting at the pearly gates, not at the end of today. You said it perfect when you said Let’s store up our treasures in heavenly places!
Last night at church our Pastor preached on being a Good Servant and how to do and give expecting nothing in return. (Isn’t it cool how God brings things full circle – I guess He was trying to tell me something!) Anyway, the Pastor challenged our Youth Group to be a servant for the leaders and their parents without expecting anything in return. He even used the example that Jesus washed Judas’ feet just before Judas denied Him (and he knew all along that Judas would deny Him, but he served Judas anyway.)
@Kita I’m so glad you accepted the challenge!! Let us know what happens and I will do the same! Thanks again for a wonderful post!
Wow – great post! Recently, I went grocery shopping, and the poor cashier that put my stuff through looked so tired… I overheard her mention that she was thirsty, so I added a bottle of pop to my groceries, and after paying for everything, I handed it to her and told her to have a great day! I think I really caught her off-guard because she kept not wanting to accept it, and I had to insist she keep it as I bought it for her.
It made me smile that day, but I find it sad that this kind of thing is so rare these days that people are so surprised when it does happen.
Ursula – I absolutely love that random act of kindness for a complete stranger!