SCRIPTURE:
19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
Luke 16:19-24
OBSERVATION:
Jesus told the Pharisees a story about a rich man who had everything and a poor man who had nothing, lying right outside his gate. The rich man's wealth wasn't the problem; his heart was. He had plenty to share and chose to keep it all for himself. That is a true test of the heart: what we do when we have resources and someone in need is within reach.
God's desire is that we help, share, and give. It's like teaching a toddler to share a toy, only to hear a loud "No!" in response. As adults, we are not that far from the toddler. Generosity will always outlast greed. So how are we doing with what we've been given? Is our heart hardening, or is our hand open and ready to give?
APPLICATION:
For some reason, riding the bus comes to mind. I have learned to practice kindness by offering my seat to the elderly and to anyone who needs it more than I do. It is a small gesture, but it speaks volumes. Kindness and generosity have to be practiced.
I don't want to misuse the resources God has given me, because everything I have comes from Him. That doesn't mean giving foolishly, but when an opportunity shows up, especially right outside my own gate, I don't want to miss the assignment.
To keep my heart from building fences around what I have, I will stay faithful in tithing and serve willingly. I will keep an eternal perspective on my resources and honor God with my finances. I know the gut feeling that says giving something away means having less. Still, I want to keep growing in how I see and handle what God has entrusted to me.
PRAYER:
God, thank You for everything I have. You are the God who gives and takes away. Thank You for providing for me when I didn't have much, and for blessing me abundantly now. Help me to be faithful with my resources and to keep my heart and my eyes fixed on heaven. Amen.
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