By Nicholas Keehler of Parkville, Missouri, USA
God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.
(continued from yesterday’s Daily Bread)
Do you really believe it is human nature to be selfish?
Jesus certainly saw human nature as being cooperative rather than competitive. Nobel Prize winner Elinor Ostrom thought the same, pointing out numerous examples of humanity naturally cooperating to steward communal resources in a sustainable way. From fisheries to farmlands, and rivers to woodlands, we’re really good at caring for things that give us life! The trick is in having a strong sense of community. When we recognize that real wealth is found in the blessings of community and real security is found in the depth of our relationships, we can see how the generous sharing of resources is also an investment in ourselves.
So, what makes a sustainable economy for everyone? First, it acknowledges the ways in which scarcity is an illusion and leans into the abundance that God imbues into the world. And second, it encourages us to cooperate so all may have what they need. In short, there is enough for everyone, so long as we manage our resources well. This includes our money, yes, but on a deeper level, it means being good stewards of our water, our soil, and the energy and materials required to house, feed, and clothe ourselves.
For some, this type of restraint and cooperation may sound like a sacrifice: giving up some of our comfort so someone else can live and thrive. I’m not a fan of such self-sacrificial language. Instead, I like to think of it as being a good gardener.
(continued in tomorrow’s Daily Bread)
Prayer Phrase
“Do good…share what you have” (Hebrews 13:16).
Enough to Share
Take a moment to notice what you are holding onto—perhaps a worry, a resource, or a desire for more. Take a breath and release it. Ask yourself, “Where am I being invited to trust that there is enough?” Think of one way you can share what you have today—your time, your gifts, your attention, or your resources. As you breathe in, say, “There is enough.” As you breathe out, “If I share.” Pray, “May my trust become generosity, and may my generosity create abundance for the welfare of all.”
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.