Begin with 2 minutes of stillness and silence before God.
Did you know that the nation’s poor donate more in terms of charitable giving than higher-income groups? Did you know that those with the lowest ⅕ of income in the population always give a higher percentage of their earnings? Studies look at why that might be. Possibly, this population has the most experience living in poverty so they understand the needs of their fellow members of that particular group. The study also shared that these people as a whole are also more likely to be more religious, believing that God will take care of them and citing that He loves “a cheerful giver."
One of the most notable ministries that I have ever witnessed was that of a person with modest means reaching out and serving the Lord through dedication to those less fortunate in the community. This service was not one of a financial nature, but rather helping to meet the needs such as preparing and delivering hot meals or transporting those without transportation to doctor appointments.
In I Timothy 6, we are challenged to be rich in good works and in generosity. When I read this scripture, I think about how God is looking more at the size of our hearts rather than the size of our bank accounts. I have known many people over the years who would give their last dime to a brother who was struggling. In contrast, I have seen people who were financially blessed give hesitantly and reluctantly. Just as being "rich" involves having a specific quantity of money, being "rich in good works" should mean a constant, abundant emphasis on doing good for others. Paul expected wealthy Christians to use their influence to give back and to help others.
What are some ways that you can involve your entire family in giving back and helping others? Love Your Neighbor at Venture is a great way to roll up your sleeves and give back. As a former recipient of this act of kindness, I still see things that were done for me that, as a single female, I would not have been able to do for myself. I think about the shoebox ministry. When my children were young, I enjoyed letting them choose things to include in the boxes. They still remember when they did something good for people in need. Planting these seeds early in our own children and those around us is an investment that will bear much fruit time and time again and for many, many seasons.
Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.
Reflection:
- In answering this challenge today, how can you give more? Are you giving your time in service to those who need help? Love Your Neighbor at Venture is a great way to roll up your sleeves and give back. Key an eye out for opportunities to serve with your campus during Love Your Neighbor from October 25-28. For more information, go to our Love Your Neighbor webpage.
- What are some ways that you can involve your entire family in giving back?
- Prayer: Dear God, thank You for the abundance of things that You give to us. If it is monetary, burden our hearts to share extravagantly. If it is through good deeds, flood our hearts and minds with needs to serve. Thank You for Your love and for enabling us to be Your hands and feet to those less fortunate. We love You so much! Amen.
Family Devo: 1 Timothy 6
By: Kaylee Collins
When partnering with your family to know, love, and follow Jesus, we strive to create and share content filtered by the Head-Heart-Hands model.
Head: the knowledge of God and His Word | Heart: the personal connection from scripture | Hands: a missional mindset
Head
Throughout this chapter, Paul is warning Timothy of the evil things in life that lead to ruin and destruction. Instead of focusing on the temporary things of this world such as money, Paul is instructing Timothy to teach and encourage others that “true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth”. This means that we are to be satisfied with what we already have. Longing to have more causes us to fall into temptation that can cause destruction not only in our own lives but also in our relationships with the people around us. Therefore, Paul encourages us to be content with what God has already provided. After all, Timothy is warned that “we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it”.
Heart
Do you often find yourself wanting the next best thing? We live in such a fast-paced and busy world that is always creating more, more, more. Whether it’s a brand-new toy, the latest iPhone, or even a bigger house, we often find ourselves focusing on what we do not currently have and we forget to appreciate everything that God has already given us. I read a quote by an unknown author that stated, “I remember the days I prayed for the things I have now”. What is something that you prayed for in the past that God has now provided? Has there been a time in your life when your desire for more made you forget what God had already given you?
Hands
Paul encourages us to not trust in our own riches but to trust in God, for He has given us all we need. Take time to thank God for everything that He has provided.
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for everything that You have already given us. Help us to be content with what we already have so that we do not fall into the temptations of this world. Help us to put our trust in You and not in our own possessions. For the things of this world are temporary, but You provide everlasting life.