. . . should lead us to a time of giving thanks. Take a moment right now, stop what you’re doing and consider the harvest of wealth, knowledge, and love you’ve received over the last year. We are so blessed.
A few of us were just speaking with Pastor Stan in the Church Office about his trip to Nigeria over the last couple of weeks. He was sharing how twenty American dollars given to a village pastor was almost like handing him an unlimited bank account. We can blow $20 bucks at Chic-fil-A in less than five minutes!
According an article on globalissues.org, “at least 80% of humanity lives on less than $10 a day.” This is reality. That’s about three fancy coffee drinks at Starbucks.
As people benefiting from a wealthy society here in America, what are we to do with these issues? Do we give it all away and live in poverty ourselves? For some, that has been the answer. Yet, there is a balance, I believe, in that we receive much in order for God to teach us how to share.
In Luke 12:48, Jesus teaches that to whom much is given, much is expected. In this season of harvest, it is fitting that we take stock of all we have received, be it material or not, and make sure that we are putting it all to good use for the glory of God. Maybe there’s something in our lives that is excess. This could be the one thing that your brother or sister next door could use to make their life better.
As we take stock, let’s give thanks to God. It is a rare opportunity in our world that so many can participate in the joy of sharing out of an abundance. You can offer thanks to God with your lips, but He truly sees your gratitude as you give.
The early church demonstrated their gratitude of God’s blessings by selling their possessions and giving to those who were in need (Acts 2:45). The question my family and I will be answering over the next few days is this:
Out of God’s great abundance in our lives, what can we give to another in order to put action to our faith?
Will you join me in answering this question with your family? How have you built this spirit of thankful sharing into your family life? Please share below.
- BP
5. November 2009 at 8:05 PM
I am looking forward to taking the kids shopping this weekend to fill shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. The best thing is, they are looking forward to it too even though they know the presents are not for them. This is such a great project to get preschoolers in the habit of giving!