Giving in a Greedy Culture
Deuteronomy 15:7-11; 24:10-15, 17-18
The Bible teaches that God blesses us because of who He is: a God who gives generously from love. God also blesses us so we can mimic God and bless others (Genesis 12:1-3). Deuteronomy 15:7-11 says: “for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake” (v. 10). “This” refers to our generous response to those in need around us (vv. 7-8).
God commands us not to shut our hands (v. 7), but to open them widely (v. 11). That’s a great contrast. How much treasure can you hold with tight fists? A few dollars and some change, maybe some jewelry. Not much, but it is secure. If you open your hands a little wider, you can hold more, but it can slip out.
If you open your hands all the way (widely), you can hold a lot more treasure. But as your hands fill, the treasure will slip through. That’s the image of this passage. God blesses us until our hands are so full we have to bless others. As we share those blessings, God continues to bless us more!
But we do not bless them with just our physical resources. We must bless them with our attitude as well. God does not look down on us. Rather he lifts us up in love and restores us (Luke 15:22-24). As we help people in need, we must not treat them poorly. Rather, we extend to them the same dignity that God gives us, whether they are a neighbor, employee, immigrant, orphan or widow (24:10-18).
Internationally known management consultant Ken Blanchard and Truett Cathy, founder and chairman of Chick-fil-A restaurants, co-authored a book, “The Generosity Factor” (2002, Zondervan). The book tells how an executive who lives a life of generosity helps a broker discover the joy of giving his time, talent and treasure.
This fictional story parallels Cathy’s business model. Rather than horde his wealth, he followed God’s command to live generously. Chick-fil-A’s WinShape Foundation supports a long-term foster care program, a summer camp for more than 1,900 children each year, and a college scholarship program. Like Deuteronomy 24:18, the book explains that such generosity comes from a heart grateful for what God has done.
I close with my prayer of gratitude for God’s generosity: “God, teach us to be as generous to others as You have been to us.”
Scudder– Lessons in the BSL series for the winter quarter are being written by Steve Scudder, former DOM for Savannah River Association.