Today’s Reading Deuteronomy 14-16
Focal Scripture: Deuteronomy 15:7-8 “If there is a poor person among you, one of your brothers within any of your city gates in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.”
Moses is continually reminding the people of the expectations before the enter the promised land. First, he lets them know what they should eat and what they need to avoid. He then discusses with them how to handle slaves, debt, and poor people who are among them. He then tells the people they need to celebrate certain festivals to remind themselves of where they have come from, whom they belong and where they are going.
It is interesting to note in this focal scripture that Moses knows that people will look for ways not to serve and help those who are around them. People see many needs but often do not want to part with what they have to meet that need. Moses wants the people to be free givers to help those who are in need. One reason is that God more than demonstrated a giving spirit with them while they were in the wilderness. Everything they asked for and needed he gave them. They never went without.
There are many people today who are in need. Most of us have the opportunity and the means to be able to help those who need that help. I know that many people have the attitude they can just get a job, they are going to use it for drugs or alcohol. I have even heard the statement of they don’t deserve to get my hard earned money. Let me just say that it is not about the money it is about the heart behind the money.
At one of the churches I served at years ago I learned and got to see a church who not only loved the community but put it into action. In that community many people were poor, homeless, and did not have much to speak of. I watched the pastor of that church give money to someone who was in need without hesitation. I later asked him if he was worried that the person would use that cash for something that they shouldn’t. In his wisdom he said these words “I give because God has blessed me. It is not my job to determine who needs or doesn’t need help. Sometimes they may take advantage of that giving attitude but that can’t stop me from having a heart that wants to help.”
That church and their servant attitude radically changed how I view people who live on the street and even ask for help. My heart must be one that is willing to give no matter what. I must have a giving heart and hand towards those who need it, even if I think they might not. There is power in small acts of kindness and we never know how God will work in the life of an individual.
I challenge you today to view people with this type of heart. It doesn’t even have to be a homeless person. If you have been blessed to meet a need and you see someone in need then have faith to meet that need. After all it is not about the giving, it is the attitude behind the giving.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Deuteronomy 17-20
