Contributors!

Some people view life from the stand point of "give and take." Then there are those who seem to be out to get whatever they can from others. However, there are also those whose generosity just doesn't seem to end. In order for people to give, someone needs to be willing to receive and life may be filled with some back and forth between both positions. Nevertheless, reading through the Scriptures it appears we are to come to know that having does not have so much to do with us as it does with regard to others.

In Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus, he wrote. . .
"Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so THAT HE MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO SHARE WITH ANYONE IN NEED." ( Ephesians 4:28 ESV)

Stealing is wrong. We would all agree with that. Instead of stealing the thief is exhorted to be involved in "doing honest work". Solomon even noted that the one who is "slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys." ( Proverbs 18:9) Making a living by the use of one's own hands in honest labor is a good thing. However, Paul went on to mention one reason for working is so there is SOMETHING TO SHARE with others who are in need. Recognizing how blessed we are should move us toward the blessing of BLESSING OTHERS with some of that with which we have ourselves been blessed; giving in accordance not with what we don't have, but with what we do. ( 2 Corinthians 8:12) Such giving also says something about our relationship to the Lord. (i.e. Matthew 25:35 & 40)

As we acknowledge what God has contributed to our life both physically and spiritually, let us focus on how we also can be contributors in this life. Though people will be blessed in the receiving, Jesus was quoted as saying "It is more blessed to give than to receive." ( Acts 20:35) May the joy of that higher blessing be our experience in a manner that generates the overflowing of thanksgiving to God ( 2 Corinthians 9:12); not during just this time of year, but through every season of life!

Have a great day EXPERIENCING THE GREAT JOY OF GIVING!
Carl

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