It’s Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Did you know there’s a big difference between reckless splurging and planned investing? One requires forethought, while the other brings only regret. In today's reading, God told farmers to leave behind some of what they could have harvested. It was an intentional design, not the result of poor planning. I wonder how much of our giving comes from poor planning rather than a deliberate enterprise. Read on…
Today's Reading:
Leviticus 18,19; Psalms 13; Acts 19
Scripture
“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner.” (Leviticus 19:9-10)
Observation
Greed can be defined as keeping everything you receive. Leaving part of the harvest field for the poor to “glean” wasn’t seen as poor financial accountability but rather as intentional generosity. This practice broke the human tendency to think only of ourselves.
We have a natural inclination to give others what we want them to have. WE do things that make US feel good about OURSELVES. WE offer what WE don’t mind giving up.
If we’re not careful, our giving can become a self-serving way to seek validation or soothe our consciences.
Application
Although the sacrifices of the Old Testament were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, we must not overlook the principles behind each action. As New Testament believers, we can still bring “sacrifices”:
- We sacrifice personal wants to give generously.
- We sacrifice pride to maintain healthy relationships rather than enforcing pecking orders.
- We sacrifice personal rights for the greater goal of building a strong team rather than insisting on our own way.
While the Old Testament methods may no longer apply, the heart behind them should be preserved in a way that honors Christ and fulfills the Law. Understanding their purpose helps shape our hearts until they conform to His.
Jesus lived this out—and now He gives us the wisdom and power to do the same!
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your Spirit that gives us wisdom. Although the methods may change for New Testament believers, we can learn so much from understanding the heart behind the sacrifices and commands. Intentional generosity is one of those lessons that I choose to learn and apply.
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