A while ago, I read a great story about a Dad trying to teach his little girl a valuable lesson. The man’s daughter asked for a Popsicle, but the father had none to give. The daughter started complaining, saying that another kid had gotten a Popsicle and she didn’t. She yelled: “That’s unfair!” The father told her to stop complaining and worry less about what others have. He said, “The only time you should look at your neighbor’s bowl is to see if they have enough. You don’t look at your neighbor’s bowl to see if you have as much as them.” That is good - downright Christian – advice.
The scriptures teach us to be grateful for what we have and to be concerned with the needs of others. In Acts 20, the Apostle Paul gives some parting words to the church in Ephesus. Paul says, “I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” In other words, Paul didn’t look at his neighbor’s bowl to see if he had as much as them. Paul looked at his neighbor’s bowl to make sure they had enough.
As you go through the coming week, appreciate all that God has given you. Remember all that Jesus has provided and praise the Lord for it. Then, look for those who are going without. See how you might use what you have been blessed with to help others. As you do, you will find great reasons to praise the Lord and incredible opportunities to serve His purposes.
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