When you have eaten your fill and have built fine houses and live in them…Do not say to yourself, ‘My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.’” vss. 12, 17
Deuteronomy 8:7-18
The book of Deuteronomy, presented in the form of a sermon by Moses as the Israelites are about to enter the promised land, anticipates that the people will enjoy a rich and full life. They are reminded to regularly give Thanksgiving to the Lord and to never imagine that they have earned any of their wealth. Some of us are in that position now on the eve of our national Thanksgiving holiday. We live in fine houses and will be eating sumptuous feasts–there’ll be so much food that we can’t possibly eat it all. Whole villages in some parts of the world could eat well from our leftovers! As we take time to reflect on our material wealth and national prosperity, it would be good to heed the warning of this text. We live in abundance for a lot of reasons–some work hard, most are just lucky–but everything comes from God. Just that recognition is often enough to spark generosity in our hearts, and trigger a desire to share what we have with those who are hungry and homeless. It’s not that we need to wallow in guilt as we sit down to our overflowing tables, that does no one any good. But perhaps, as we head into the season of sharing, we can find new ways to share our wealth.
Thought for the Day: Many are asking, to whom will I be giving?
0 Comments