Each day we have the opportunity to serve the Lord with our thoughts and actions or we can serve self. It’s that simple.
Have you ever been around a group of pre-schoolers? All seems well while they are sitting in a circle listening at story time but bring out the toys or the crayons and something changes.
“I want…” “That’s mine”
Selfishness rears its ugly head and what was to be a fun time turns into one of life’s learning experiences. We can smile at the immaturity of children and say “they’ll learn” but not always. We are confronted every day with situations where we must share.
“One of the men in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, our father just died and left some things for us. Tell my brother to share them with me.” Luke 12:13 ERV
Let’s take the simple things and see if anything strikes home. The television remote is a real issue in some homes or the last of the ice cream. When we’re out in town it can be a struggle when you’ve been waiting for a parking spot and someone whips in and takes it. Or what about that project you’ve been working on and someone takes the credit for your ideas? It’s something we all have to deal with.
Last night it was Cheeze Its. I love them and had filled a small bowl and sat down on the couch. The bowl was between Dave and me. I felt that he was eating more of them than I was. It touched a chord and I didn’t like my reaction. How silly – I realized I didn’t really want to share.
What to do? I refilled the bowl, sat it down between us, this time with an attitude of being willing to share. The Lord ministered to me – don’t let the little things get to you. Just being honest with you – we have to be aware of the small things that try and trip us up.
“What you should be thinking about is God’s kingdom. Then he will give you all these other things you need. 32 “Don’t fear, little flock. Your Father wants to share his kingdom with you.” Luke 12:31-32 ERV
Our Father isn’t selfish. He wants to share all that He has with us. We don’t have to demand things from Him, He willingly gives. He gives before we ask.
“And when you pray, don’t be like the people who don’t know God. They say the same things again and again. They think that if they say it enough, their god will hear them. 8 Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:7-8 ERV
I encourage you to keep your heart open for the Lord’s correction in the big and little things. And don’t forget to share the Cheeze-Its.