I’d like to wish my daughter a happy 16th birthday today!
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. — Ephesians 4:28
Imagine, for a moment, Bill Gates showing up at your door and begging you to give him a crust of bread. What a ridiculous scene! Bill Gates could go downtown and buy the bakery almost as easily as he could buy a loaf of bread.
At some point, we need Jesus to show us how rich we are inside.
Years ago, I interviewed a wealthy man who told me that once we reach our comfort level, we can easily give money away to others. I don’t completely agree with him, but I can tell you this: In Christ, we have reached our comfort level.
As we begin to understand the great fund of inner wealth that is ours in Christ, giving becomes a hoot. Why would we want to steal from anyone? Instead, we look for new ways to give, because giving is so much fun.
When I was about ten years old, somehow a five dollar bill came into my possession. Five dollars for a ten year old boy in the rural south in the 1960s was a fortune! Do you want to know one of the happiest moments of my life? It was taking that five dollar bill to church and putting it in the offering plate. I felt like I was walking on air. This is a story that I haven’t shared with too many people for obvious reasons. But I bring it up now to remind all of us that there is, inside each of us, a person who loves — hear it again: loves — to give.
The Christian life sets this person loose.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.