Scripture

Our verse for today is from Proverbs 3:27, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” 

Background

We’ve got a lot to give, don’t we? Your cupboards probably have many days or weeks of canned goods, pasta, and other foods stacked up. Your closets and dressers are no doubt nearly full of clothes for all seasons, occasions, and fashion styles. Your garage, if it’s like most garages, has a little bit of everything in it, except for the car. And is there an attic around that isn’t crammed full of stuff we haven’t needed for ages? Our material blessings are almost embarrassing when compared to what we actually require to exist. We have much to offer to others who can be blessed by the simplest of gifts. But beyond our material wealth, we have the supernatural gifts from God dwelling in our hearts. And we have countless opportunities each day to give of the blessings from within. So between our material and spiritual blessings, we have a lot of good that can be spread around. But who do we consider worthy to receive this good? Who do we think is due to be blessed? Certainly those that do good to us. We are naturally drawn to repay kindness for kindness, generosity for generosity. And those who take care and treat well what is given them are inclined to be recipients of more. We like to know what we are giving is going to be appreciated. 

Application

But are these the only people who are in our power to bless? Do we tend to withhold good when we aren’t quite sure about where the good is going? It seems that we rein in our power to do good when we think our gift will be wasted, abused, or used in contrast to some spiritual ideal we have. Instead of being filled with the awesome power of God to do good, we become filled with the ability to discern who deserves good and who does not. But when is our gift or sacrifice or expression of mercy wasted in God’s eyes? Do we also determine who should hear the gospel and who shouldn’t? Then why are we so choosy with our temporal things? Do not withhold good. That is a powerful calling. 

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask God to give you opportunities to use your power. Let His power be shown as you look to do good to all. 

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words