This past year has been extremely busy. For the first time since our country's economy bust a few years ago, in my job as a Church and Community Director, I am seeing a lot of families without jobs for long periods of time, not making enough to make ends meet, etc. Most of these folks have been hard working people who are feeling the tight squeeze of the economic shift.
Our Toy Sale this year brought in double the families. Some were people whose salaries had been cut or one person in the family had lost a job. While most jobs are downsizing and losing business, ours is increasing. We are needing more Christians to step up and live lives of generosity this year..sharing what they have with others. Most of us live in excess of what we need. I know that the shelves in my home in the past have things on them that have never been used or even opened. We may not think we have a lot but we do. We can be generous and give those things to others who need them.
I was challenged a few years ago as I read scripture to take a look around our home and see what it is we could share with others. We have since kept a running box or bag of clothes that we don't use but are in good condition. We share those with others. It feels good to know that the things that were sitting on our shelves are now being used by families and individuals that need some help. As we give them away, we pray over them and ask the Lord to bless the person who receives it.
In these difficult times, it is important that as Christians we think about others in need ALL THE TIME, not just at Christmas. Jesus talked constantly about putting others above ourselves and helping those who are hurting. The Message says in Matthew 10:
"Because you have been treated generously, live generously!"
All that we have as Christians was given to us by God. Our homes, our money, our jobs, our families...everything! We have been treated generously! No matter how little we have, there is always someone who has less. It is our challenge to give to others what we can by living a sacrificial life.
For a renewed sense of "the church" and how it functioned....read the book of Acts this month. Ask the Lord to show you how you are to live with the means that He gave you! Everything we have is a gift to share with others.
There is a familiar hymn that is typically sung at Thanksgiving. I think it applies every day of the year! Here are the words to
Because I Been Given Much by Grace Noll Crowell:
I have been given much, I too must give;
Because of thy great bounty, Lord each day I live.
I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that I see,
Who has the need of help from me.
Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care…
I cannot see another’s lack and I not share-my glowing fire, my loaf of bread-my roof’s safe shelter over head, that he too may be comforted.
Because I have been blessed by thy great love dear Lord,
I’ll share thy love again according to thy word.
I shall give love to those in need. I’ll show that love by word and deed,
thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.
Happy New Year!
Lisa
