And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16
“Quaker author Philip Gulley was asked the difference between a Quaker and an Episcopalian. He replied, “If a Quaker gets a new sweater, and there is not room in his wardrobe, he gives a sweater away. An Episcopalian buys a larger wardrobe.” While I’m not sure his generalization applies to all Episcopalians or Quakers, his point was made. Most of us are in pursuit of more.
In some countries, the day after Christmas is another holiday, Boxing Day. People take their excess food, gifts, money, possessions, box them up and give them to those in need.
Here, the day after Christmas is the day to buy more stuff, hopefully at better prices than before. Because the business of the American kingdom is… business. But the business of God’s kingdom is people, according to Jesus.
Nothing wrong with business. It provides a means for people to live, but people should be the priority. Jesus did not die so the stock market could go up. He died so people could be saved. I look around at all my stuff and ask “What do I really need? What is important to me?”
Michael B. Henderson of South Carolina in Bethlehem United Methodist Church email dated 25 December 2021. Shared with me by faithful Daily Meditations reader, Randy Bury. Worth sharing widely. So good.
What will you be known for?
With humor, Henderson alerts us with generalizations to the reputation of the Quakers and the Episcopalians.
But what about you and your family? What would people say you do with your surplus?
Today is Boxing Day in many parts of the world, where sharing happens with intentionality. Imagine if every Christian practiced it, the impact we could have together.
Sadly, my American culture will likely focus more on business than people today.
Perhaps as your attention turns from Christmas to the new year, sit in texts like Psalm 103 so as to reflect on God’s benefits to you, and consider how you have been resourced to bless others. And follow the instructions of the writing of Hebrews. Do good and share richly for such sacrifices please God.