Devotional Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:1-13
The reality of life is that many people are selfish and self centered, they focus and care for themselves only, it’s all about – Me – Me. Our world has continued to deteriorate and grow in wickedness due to the attitude of those that have who have refused to help the ones that don’t have. Politicians who are already successful and have gotten much wealth for themselves still deprive the poor from the little they need to survive each day. Recently, it was discovered in one of the African countries that governors and wealthy senators hoarded in large warehouses the palative that was allocated for the common people, probably with intention to sell them or use the items for their political campaigns, they left the poor to experience intense poverty and lack, while they and their families live in abundance and in luxury.
The wise man descibe this foolishness in the book of Ecclesiastes 4:7-8; “Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yet it is a sore travail.
Many people devote their lives to gaining possessions, believing that these things will increase their satisfaction. Some of these people are workaholics. For them, more is never enough.
Ecclesiastes described a person like this. Yes, he gained wealth, but he was “always working” gaining wealth and “never satisfied” v. 8. He lived alone and did not share his time or resources with anyone else. Ecclesiastes was right. What “a miserable way to live”. What is life without helping and positively impacting others, you are created to be a pleasure to God and blessing to humanity, this is one of the major reasons why you are created into this world.
We should be content with what we have. “It is better to be a giver to good courses, help the poor and needy which may leave you to have an handful, but with quietness, than both hands full with selfishness, this will lead to travail and vexation of Spirit ” v. 6. Jesus taught that a key to be satisfied was to “hunger and thirst for righteousness” Matthew 5:6. Doing what is right brings a satisfaction having more stuff cannot match.
The Bible also reminds us that we cannot find joy, fulfillment, or satisfaction by hoarding possessions. To receive the maximum blessings, we must be a giver and share with others. We need to invest the resources God gives us.
The principle of giving is critical to every area: finances, health, relationships, careers, and our spiritual lives.
People around you may focus on wealth or possessions. The world may encourage you to spend more, to buy more, to possess more. But the Bible teaches the blessings of giving and sharing with others. Our God is a giver not a taker. “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever beliveth in him should not perish; but have everlasting life. God gave all he had to be a blessing to humanity, what can’t you give a part of what you have to bless someone, be a giver not a taker.
I pray for you today that God will help you be a more giving person. You don’t need to have much to be a giver, you can be a giver and share with others from the little that God has given you, seek opportunities to share with what the almighty God has given you. As Jesus taught when He sends out the twelve, “Freely you have received, freely give” Matthew 10:8.
May the LORD help you to be a generous and cheerful giver in Jesus name.
Prayer point: Father, please make me a willing generous and cheerful giver in Jesus name.
Key Dose: The act of giving is an attribute of God and worth emulating.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor
In His Presence Christ Tabernacle
