the math of multiplication

I have spent much of the last 9 years preaching the principle of multiplication. In simple equations, If one event can occur in "m" ways and a second can occur independently of the the first in "n" ways, then the two events can occur in "mn" ways. Spiritually speaking, multiplication is representative of a heavenly paradigm that is upside down from earthly logic. As humans, we draw in to ourselves, accumulate, and build up [this is addition]. With proper perspective, we realize that God is the owner and supplier of all things, and He is deserving of all glory and good; and His activity is of giving out from (and of) Himself. In doing so, much more is made of Him [this is multiplication].

Christ modeled multiplication perfectly as He invested His own power and glory "m" into lives of people around Him "n" to create Christians "mn" (also called Christ-followers, disciples, followers of 'the way', children of God). The key to multiplication is the giving away of "m" and "n". For Jesus, the closer He was to someone, the more practical, personal, and challenging His relationship was with them. The more He gave away, the greater potential of "mn".

The point: The Christian way and life is of the heavenly paradigm. We must not conform to the addition of egocentric self-sufficiency, whether in the physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual realms; but we should be conformed to multiplication in the likeness of Christ, by giving away of ourselves. God produces great things from this paradigm. This means that the activity of worship or community, or any other Christian activity, is not about us. It's about the great thing God is doing as we continue in the process of multiplication that He has begun.

(*The picture is to show the work of multiplication in my own family. New baby Boyd is due November 23rd!!)

Giving Away My Faith
I give away my faith to fulfill God's purposes.
Ephesians 6:19-20, "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."

Giving Away My Life
I give away my life to fulfill God's purposes.
Romans 12:1, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship."

Giving Away My Time
I give away my time to fulfill God's purposes.
Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Giving Away My Money
I give away my money to fulfill God's purposes.
2 Corinthians 8:7, "But just as you excel in everything, in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us, see that you also excel in this grace of giving."