Sharing: January 6, 2010

TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6

SHARING

DEFINITION:

Having something jointly, a portion or an allotted part, giving a portion to others.

SCRIPTURE:

“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews 13:16.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

We began when our children were very young to teach them to share. We taught them to share their toys, not only with their siblings but with friends who would visit them. We taught them to share their time when someone needed help. We taught them to share their resources (ten percent), which we referred to as tithe with our church. Sharing is tough to learn for children but when you start when they are young and then are consistent and lead by example they will learn. Usually, at the beginning, their response would be something like “that is mine and I want it.”

In the first chapter of John we read about Andrew who was one of the two first disciples picked by Jesus. Andrew was a humble person, devoted and Christ like. His name means “manliness.” After Jesus chose Andrew to be His disciple and he spent time learning from the Messiah he became a rugged evangelist and he was known for his consistency in sharing Christ personally with all that he came into contact daily. When he first met Jesus he shared with his brother Peter the good news that he had met the Messiah.

When we taught our kids to share, we constantly reminded them that sharing was a two way street. It was important for them to understand that if one shared an item with another sibling then the other needed to be willing to share an item with the child that shared with them. When children learn this it becomes a life principle when they become adults.

Part of sharing is also developing a compassion for others to the extent of being willing to share with them some of your possessions or time.

In Isaiah 58:7, we are given a wonderful example of this:

“Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him”

Sharing should begin with all of us by sharing our faith with our family, friends and neighbors. Secondly we must be consistent and willing to share with others our time talents and treasures. And finally we must share with the poor what God has blessed us with. Andrew shared his love for Jesus to everyone he came in contact with as an example to us as to how we are to share by our words and deeds what God has given us.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is:

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.” Romans 12:2

PRAYER:

As we begin this New Year we want to praise You for Your sharing of Your Son by sending Him to this world to pay the penalty for my sins. Give me now the discipline and boldness to share my love for You with those I meet today. May the joy of the Lord shine brightly in all that I do and say.