Last night, we were talking about our company that was coming, and Bethel asked out of the blue “Are you going to share your beautiful dishes?” I was pleased, because we had a conversation about sharing mommy’s precious dishes months ago. That’s one way we can please God, by sharing what He has blessed us with. I asked her, “Are you going to share your precious toys? That’s one way we please God, by sharing the toys He has blessed you with.” We’ll see how she shares tonight. (Note: she’s not willing to share everything all the time. Several times we’ve put up some toys she wasn’t ready to share yet. And she still struggles with sharing with her brother and sister! But I do see growth in her thinking. She’s watching.)
I Timothy 6:17-19 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
I’m going to share this passage with my children this morning. Our focus should be on God and His goodness, not on the good gifts that he gives.
For a related discussion by Jay Younts, click here and here.
When I visited you last month, you taught me a little something about sharing too! I remember your pretty China, and how special you told us it was, yet you let us eat muffins from it and drink coffee from the cups! Shouldn’t special China be saved….cherished…..kept away in a SAFE place? Of course not! How silly that would be! How special could it be if we just let it sit in the cabinet getting dusty? Reminds me of the truth of Jesus and how we should share it with others. It might be risky, but what good is it if we do not share it?
Deidra– That’s a good comparison. The gospel is precious treasure that we sometimes hoard, to our shame.
(I do have bad dreams about my teapot breaking someday, but I’m the one breaking it, not people who come over!)