We live in a materialistic world where
everyone is out for a grab. We work all our lives just to get ahead, collect a
little more and save for our old age. There’s nothing wrong in providing for
ourselves and saving for our future or leave an inheritance for our children.
But if we’re not careful we can let materialism consume us.
Materialism is not really a modern day
problem. Once a rich young ruler came and asked our Lord, “What must I do to receive eternal life?” The Lord told him, “Sell all that you have and give it to the
poor.” More than anything else Jesus was testing his heart because this man
couldn’t detach himself from his materialism. Unable to heed Christ’s command,
the rich young ruler walked away deprived of eternal life.
You’re probably a follower of Jesus
and you have the assurance of eternal life. But are you free from materialism?
Are you a worldly person who just can’t seem to have enough? I don’t believe
God wants us to take a vow of poverty and barely get by. But if our world
consists of me and my four and no more then we’re living a limited life. God
wants us to live to the fullest. To maximize life, we have to live to give.
When we give of ourselves, our time, talent and treasure we not only help other
people but mostly we help ourselves.
I heard about a young man who was
selling products door to door to put himself through school. He had only a dime
left in his pocket and was very hungry. He decided he’d ask for some food from
the next door he called on. But his plan was demised when a beautiful young
lady answered the door.
Howard Kelly lost his nerve to ask for
a meal; instead he asked for a glass of water. The young lady thought he looked
hungry. Without saying anything she brought him a large glass of cold milk. The
young man drank it almost in one gulp and asked, “How much I owe you?”
The young lady replied, “You don’t owe me anything. Mother taught me never to accept payment for a kindness.” Howard Kelly said, “I thank you from my heart.” He left her house both physically and spiritually strengthened as he was on the verge of giving up.
Years later, the young lady fell critically
ill. The local doctors sent her to a big city where a specialist was called in
to study her case. When the specialist doctor heard the name of the city his
patient had come from he was intrigued! Dressed in his white doctor’s gown, he
went in to see his patient. Immediately he recognized her from years ago. He
went into his office and wrote out a consultation. After several months of
intense treatment the young lady was ready to leave the hospital. The doctor
went to his business office and requested them to pass the final bill to him
for approval. Upon receipt of the bill the doctor wrote something on the edge and
the bill was sent to the patient’s room.
The recovering lady was afraid to open
the envelop knowing that it would take her a lifetime to pay for her hospital
bill. Finally when she had gathered enough courage to open the envelop she
noticed the scribbling on the side of the bill. The words read: “Paid in full
with a glass of milk.” Signed, Dr. Howard Kelly.
Friend, don’t spend your life just gathering
for yourself. Share whatever God has blessed you with. Not just in terms of
finances but also with your kindness. A kind word, a kind deed or a glass of
cold milk can transform the life of another forever. Wear the blessings God
gives you like a loose jacket so that nothing can stick to you. You can never help
others and not be blessed by God. When you reach out to help others, you’re
really helping yourself. You cannot take anything with you so why not spread it
around? Live to give and you’ll
never lack anything in life.
“Give, and it will be given to you. A
good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured
into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38 NIV).
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