Living Generously
Lenten Devotional Series Day 29. Today’s meditation is on the Eighth Commandment, “You shall not steal,” in Exodus 20:15.
Implicit in the Eighth Commandment’s prohibition against stealing is a Christian ethic of generous living in response to God’s gracious provision for us. This way of life is commended throughout the Scriptures in a variety of ways. Some of these include the value God places on work (Gen 2:15, Eph 4:28) and our diligence in it (Prov 12:11, 27); honest behavior in commerce (Lev 19:36); a modest lifestyle that keeps us from over-valuing the fruits of our labor (1 Tim 6:6-9, 17); and sacrificial giving (2 Cor 8:1-4).
Among those reading this post, few of us would identify overt stealing as a significant struggle. Further, we tend to see ourselves (usually) as hard-working. We’re all for honest commerce and wise stewardship. And yet, when we take an honest look at our lives, do we see generosity as a way of living before the Lord?
When you think of the sins of Sodom, the city God utterly destroyed in his wrath, what comes to mind? Here’s God’s assessment:
Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. (Ezek 16:49)
How do we measure up in comparison with the Sodomites? Does love-of-self trump love-of-neighbor? Are we avenues of God’s generosity, or have we become dead end cul-de-sacs, hoarding what God has given us for our mission to the world?
John asks a great question, worthy of careful consideration during Lent:
If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? (1 John 1:17)
How we give—and our willingness to do so freely—is not primarily a reflection of our own compassion and/or understanding of current social problems. Our generosity is first and foremost an illustration of God’s love for the world. God so loved that he gave his only Son—to die in our stead. This is God’s greatest provision for us. When our generosity flows out of an awareness of the Father’s generosity towards us, not only do we proclaim the Gospel in deed, but also we reaffirm our faith in God as the one who will supply every need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19).
On Good Friday, our Father didn’t turn away from our need, closing his heart to us and hoarding his own riches. His generosity overflowed. He gave what was most precious to him, in order to meet our deepest need.
God has made us stewards over much. What we do with it demonstrates our faith in him and our appropriation of the Gospel. What will we do with all that God has entrusted to us?
Today in prayer, begin with the collect of the day (below). Give thanks to God for his generosity to you, especially in the gift of his Son as a ransom for your own sin. Ask the Lord to fill you with his Holy Spirit, so that generosity might overflow from you for the glory of God. Then finish with the Lord’s Prayer.
Collect of the Day. Almighty God, we pray that although we deserve to be punished for our evil deeds, yet by the comfort of your heavenly grace we may mercifully be relieved, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.