DEVOTIONS FOR MONEY LEADERSHIP
Sometimes giving generously is not always about the immediate need. It may be in addition to the immediate need. Our life experience teaches us what to anticipate or expect. How have you given generously to someone because you could foresee their circumstances?
Again we look at the familiar story of “The Good Samaritan.” A simple man traveling down the road gives directly. He meets the immediate need that appears before him—the need of the man who fell among thieves. His immediate needs were evident, but the Samaritan saw beyond these to provide for future care. Have gave two denarii to the innkeeper and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.”
How can we be generous to not only the immediate needs, but also those that others may not see? This can be difficult, because it sometimes requires trust of people or organizations we do not know. We may think that since we do not know them they don’t deserve anything good. Perhaps the need is foreseen, but the people nearby are not all that appealing. Yet if we are to be like the Samaritan, we are challenged to take this step in faith. How willing are you to give of your time and money to those you do not know well? How do you build relationships that establish trust?
Prayer: O God of abundance, help me not to judge the foolishness of a man who would travel alone on a lonely road surrounded with danger. Instead, help me to be generous in my time and money that I might grow in faith and trust in others with the gifts you have entrusted to me . Amen
The money Leadership devotions are developed by the Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission Unit of the ELCA