GIVING AND RECEIVING

Little Amy was pleased that her teacher came to visit her farm. Taking her through the barn and out into the pasture, she pointed with pride to a cow that was quietly chewing its cud.

Filled with pride, she said to her teacher, “That’s my cow!”

“Oh, how wonderful, Amy,” she commented. “Does she give milk?”

“Not really,” replied Amy. “We have to take it from her.”

Some Christians are like Amy’s cow – there is something good in them, but it has to be taken from them – as milk from a cow. Could this be true because we allow the influence of the things of this world, rather than the influence of God’s Word, control us?

All of us are encouraged to hold on to whatever we possess as tightly as possible. We are constantly advised to invest our money wisely in “things” that are safe, so when we advance in age, we will have enough to survive.

But the writer of Proverbs has a different viewpoint: “It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy.” What did he mean?

God always blesses and enriches the lives of those who give freely of their time, treasures, and talents in service to others. When we give to others, we are only sharing with them what God has given us, and providing space in our lives for more of His blessings.

Prayer:  Help us, Lord, to believe in Your Word and trust in Your ways. Open our hearts to share the blessings You have given us with those in need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:24-25