24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
another
withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
25 A generous person will prosper;
whoever
refreshes others will be refreshed.
One of the reasons God entrusts money to us is to bless
other Christians by meeting their needs. God uses the transfer of money within
the Body of Christ to build unity among Christians. Sometimes we withhold money
that God has designated for someone else. He wants to bless through us, but His
will cannot be accomplished through us if we are disobedient.
This was the case for a business owner who tells of the
time when God told him to forego a company bonus one year. God directed him to
share his year-end bonus with an employee to show his appreciation for him. He
wrestled with God for three full days before obeying the Lord on the matter.
When he finally met with the employee to give him his check, the man said he
had been praying about a financial need he had three days earlier. He had
decided to borrow the money to meet his need. The amount of money he borrowed
was the exact amount the business owner gave him.
God had already planned to provide for the employee
through the business owner, but because he was hesitant, he almost missed the
opportunity to be an instrument of God in this man's life. Even so, he could
have prevented the man from having to borrow money. It was an important lesson
for the business owner.
How many people do we let down because we feel the
"harvest" God provides is all ours? In America the pressure is always
on to move up the ladder of material accumulation. Jesus warned us about this.
If our focus is on accumulation, we will not look for opportunities to be God's
vessels of financial blessing to others. Ask the Lord if you have an open hand when
it comes to finances.
Dear Lord, help us be the one You use to be a blessing to
somebody that is in need. Help us not be greedy with what You have given to us.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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