Deut 14: 22-29 focusing on vs 22: "Be sure to set aside a tenth...vs29 so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands."
This passage was a strange one to reflect on, yet it was a great reminder during this time. With an unstable economy and job market, many are having a tough time. But for me, my stimulus check arrived, my bonus check from work is deposited, and money is saved by eating at home. I’ve been blessed with a roof over my head and extra money in my account, so what should I do now?
As I was speaking with my mom about what I could do with the stimulus check, she mentioned how giving it all would not be of any loss to me. And it’s true- I was fine without it before, why do I need it now? It’s tempting to spend it on nice material goods that I’ve been eyeing, or just store it away in my savings, but these verses remind me that there's a mission greater than myself. We have a duty as believers to help those around us and to joyfully contribute to the mission of God. It’s easy to focus on ourselves right now with strange work schedules and trying to get through each day, but God is calling us to live for more.
But the passage reminds me that it's not just a calling but also a promise. In verse 29, it says “that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.” God blesses us as we do His work. God gives to us abundantly, overflowing our cup so that we may share with others.
I read these words, but I still struggle. Some share that they feel blessed as they give, but I'm sometimes discouraged by my reluctance to give. If I truly believe that God will fill my needs, why do I hold on to the worldly things? The process of giving tells me that I have a long way to go. But perhaps that also means that as I mature, I can look forward to even greater pleasure and peace from God than what I feel now.
