Sharing
We teach our children to share, but how much do we share as adults? The truth is that God puts a premium on us sharing with others what He has blessed us with. Moses taught Israel this lesson, but it is found throughout the Bible. (Deuteronomy 24:19) Let's stop to take an inventory of our own lives.
The practice of allowing the poor people to glean in the fields and orchards was a very practical way to share the harvest with those in need. In fact, the Lord even told them not to harvest the edges of their fields and to leave what they did not get on the first pass through the field. This command was for sharing, and God blessed them for following His command.
Jesus told His disciples that it was more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35) In Luke 12 Jesus told a parable of a rich farmer who had an abundant harvest and all he did was think of himself. God took it all away from him in one night. He did not practice sharing, but selfishness.
Paul put it very well in Ephesians 4:28. The command from God there is very clear. Don't steal, but work hard. In that way make money for your needs, as well as the needs of others. Sharing should be a spiritual discipline for every believer all of the time.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Deuteronomy 26-28.
The practice of allowing the poor people to glean in the fields and orchards was a very practical way to share the harvest with those in need. In fact, the Lord even told them not to harvest the edges of their fields and to leave what they did not get on the first pass through the field. This command was for sharing, and God blessed them for following His command.
Jesus told His disciples that it was more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35) In Luke 12 Jesus told a parable of a rich farmer who had an abundant harvest and all he did was think of himself. God took it all away from him in one night. He did not practice sharing, but selfishness.
Paul put it very well in Ephesians 4:28. The command from God there is very clear. Don't steal, but work hard. In that way make money for your needs, as well as the needs of others. Sharing should be a spiritual discipline for every believer all of the time.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Deuteronomy 26-28.