Generous To The Rich
As Linda is on leave, here is one of her most read posts from over the past few months.
To make such assumptions presents a couple of lost opportunities.
Reference: “Your Majesty, Araunah gives all this to the king.” Araunah also said to him, “May the Lord your God accept you.”” 2 Samuel 24:23 NIV
Explore: A relative of mine is quite wealthy. He was not born into money, but has worked hard and made some tough work decisions.
He doesn’t always splash his wealth around but his ability to pay cash for even major purchases is a clear indicator that he is comfortably wealthy.
One thing I have noticed when mixing with family is there is often the assumption, or at the very least a joke made, that my relative can pay. Now, there is no doubt he could easily cover a meal or two, he could probably buy the whole restaurant! But to make such assumptions presents a couple of lost opportunities.
For one, my relative doesn’t have the opportunity to offer to pay, as the assumption is already there. He loses the chance to show generosity with what he has.
But secondly, and more importantly, we don’t have the opportunity to offer our own generosity. Our desire to give should not be determined on the perceived need of the receiver but the expression of our own hearts.
Application: In 2 Samuel a man named Araunah had a very rich guest. He was visited by King David, the man who had access to the wealth of the nation.
When Araunah discovered that the King wanted something he owned he didn’t see this as an opportunity to get rich quick, but he took the chance to give generously. The King’s wealth did not stop Araunah from showing the expression of his heart.
When it comes to giving, instead of looking at the need of others we need to look at the generosity of our hearts. If we want to have hearts like Araunah – and therefore like God – then we can seek opportunities to give lavishly, no matter who is asking.
Prayer: Lord, everyday we have the opportunity to be stingy or generous. Prompt us towards Your value of generosity and open our eyes to the opportunities to share that present themselves to us today. Amen.
How generous would you say your heart is?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.