Sharing: September 1, 2014

TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2014.

SHARING

DEFINITION:

To engage in together, to give a part to; a joint enterprise; to use, participate in or receive jointly.

SCRIPTURE:

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

Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share. I Timothy 6:18.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

It goes without saying that we are not born with a natural inclination to share. It becomes very evident to every parent early on that children need to be taught to share.

Unfortunately, as children mature into adults they often do not abide by what they are taught. It is human nature that makes this a reality. The apostle Paul understood this when he was in prison waiting for his execution and was writing I and II Timothy.

He was giving Timothy some final instructions to help him carry on Paul’s ministry. Paul well knew that Timothy would have to deal with Christians who were self-centered and selfish. Like children they would have to be taught to share and to do good. In the New American Standard Bible translation I Timothy 6:18 reads, “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.”

The inclination to share comes as a result of our relationship with our Lord Jesus. His Holy Spirit works in us to cause us to love and care for others and gives us the desire to share with others. Down through the ages it has been the church, the body of believers, that have been the ones who have fed the hungry and sheltered the poor and encouraged the downtrodden.

Jesus knew that one of our real tests in seeing what our real depth of being yielded to Him is our willingness to share with others. If we have no mercy toward others it is safe to say that we have never experienced God’s mercy.

Emerson must have been reading the gauge of human mercy when he said, “What you are speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say.” Satan does not care how much you theorize about Christianity, or how much you profess to know Christ. What Satan opposes is your dedication to live a Christ-like life.

It is a known fact that when people feel that they are the loneliest people in the world and someone suggests that they find a way to share their religious faith and some material goods they will soon become one of the happiest people in the world. Maybe it is a new neighbor and you take to them a cake or some cookies. The door will open for you to talk to them and a friendship of sharing can begin. Jesus wants us to reach out and share with others. No matter how little we may have in material wealth we can be rich in good deeds. Just an encouraging word or a helping hand can reap rich rewards. Jesus in turn will give you joy and happiness like you never have had before.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in I Peter 5:7.

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

PRAYER:

Help me to understand that there is no greater joy that I can have then when I am sharing Your love with someone. Help me to continually offer up praise to God for all that has been given to me. Use my words and deeds to offer joy and happiness to others just as You have given me.