Thought for Monday 8 August

 Proverbs 11: 24,25

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

 

One time a sceptic said to a preacher, "I can’t stand this Christianity business. All I ever hear from you Christians is give, give, give."

The preacher thought a minute and said, "That’s about the best description of Christianity I have ever heard!"

Yes, we are fortunate enough to receive freely from our Father, even the life of His only begotten Son. We should be glad to give to others what has been shared with us. Whether it is money, talents, time. Anything we have that we can share with others should be shared with our thanks to the Lord God who gives us all we can ever need. Not what we think we need but what we actually need, God knows better than anyone what our needs are, better than even we ourselves know.

You may say that some people in the world are starving and you are right. However, God has provided enough for everybody, we cannot blame Him if the provision is not shared as it should be. That ‘privilege’ is all ours! We all know there is so much food wasted in many homes. So much waste of every kind going to landfill sites, causing more pollution and vermin which in turn causes more disease. Sea life is suffering because of the waste being disposed of by people who have more than they can use.

Where will it all end? People who could be sharing would rather throw excess away than share, the ‘what’s mine is mine attitude’.  

I hold my hands up and admit that I think ‘the end’ must be coming near. Greed is overtaking the world and those who could put an end to it are among those who profit most from it.

 

Prayer

Father in heaven, forgive us for the lack of thought on our part which sees those in some countries having to go without while in other countries there is so much waste. Both material and spiritual things seem to be the domain of the so-called civilised world, teach us what that word means Lord. Civilised people ought to be caring people but too often we forget how to care. Your Precious Son showed us what caring means, He showed us from the cross. Please help us to relearn the values He taught us so that we can share Your love and provision with our neighbours. Amen.