Generosity Pays
Devotions/Partners
Proverbs 11:24-25 (KJV): There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
COMMENTARY: Have you discovered that “God’s Economy” functions in counter-intuitive, paradoxical ways that seem contrary to logic and intellect? The Lord truly does work in mysterious ways that you will
never be able to forecast on an Excel
spreadsheet. His ways are not your ways.
From this passage, we are reminded that if we don’t let go and scatter seed, we
won’t grow. If we hold back and hoard, we’ll become poor. Over the course of my
decades in the workplace, I’ve seen this happen over and over again in all
dimensions of life–from family and friends to church and ministry, community,
businesses and associations.
APPLICATION: When the Holy Spirit tells you to give time, talent, tongue
and treasure, GIVE! When the Holy Spirit tells you to scatter seed,
SCATTER! When the Holy Spirit tells you to encourage and help others
unconditionally, WATER!
Don’t quench and grieve the Holy Spirit. Generosity pays. In ways unexpected
and mysterious, you will be blessed. You will be watered also, in God’s way and
time. Just don’t try to forecast your journey with Him. Walk by faith and not
by sight, and trust God for the outcomes.
This is a very peculiar and unusual way to live and work in today’s secular
culture, but it’s very refreshing and liberating. If God takes care of the
flowers in the field and the birds in the air, He is fully capable of providing
for you. Oh, you of little faith! Must you always try to figure things
out in advance?
Joyfully yours,
For Further Exploration
For further exploration about Hebrews 12:1-2a (KJV)，read Endure Hardship and Pursue Peace (Hebrews 12:1-16) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.
