Give it away

GIVE IT AWAY

 

God . . . richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. (1 Timothy 6:17)

                       

            CRAFT TIME WAS A FAVORITE PART of vacation Bible school. Painting was especially fun. Each child decorated a wooden box and wrote the verse: “. . . lay up treasures in heaven. . . .” As we talked about treasures, especially tangibles like money and riches, we heard how they could be lost or swept away in a moment. Laying up treasures in heaven meant “only what's done for Christ will last.”

While it is true that we do not trust in temporary things, they are great blessings that come from the hand of God. Having wealth is not wrong, but it is exceedingly important that it be given its proper place. Paul didn't want Christians to get comfortable and bogged down with riches, become selfish, and depend on them instead of God, their Provider. Paul's “command” for Christians to “do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous” with transient blessings is a key teaching here. Eternal investments are made as we invest in people. This is how we take hold of life that is truly life.

             The living God is our Provider. He is the Giver of every blessing—and He gives “everything for our enjoyment.” Everything we have is a sacred trust from God.

 

—Jeanette Vermilya

 

Do an old-fashioned “count your blessings” inventory.