By Joelle Wight, director of Temple Ministries

The Lord is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

[Adapted from Witness the Word series]

When I was growing up, I loved to spend time in my dad’s home office. He had tons of knick-knacks that he’d acquired over the years, and while they each had deep meaning and memories for him, for me they just looked like an awesome collection of toys. The knick-knacks were all high enough that I couldn’t reach them without risking knocking something over and breaking it. So instead, I would stand in front of the shelf and look at each of the objects for long periods of time.

Taped to the shelf of knick-knacks was a cutting from a magazine. I could tell by its slightly shabby appearance that it had been attached to this shelf for some time. I mostly just ignored this piece of paper, but one day, as I gazed longingly at the toys, my eyes fell upon it, and I took time to read the story it contained. I discovered that it was an article from the Herald and was based on a story shared by Apostle Bunda Chibwe. Its message has stuck with me ever since and I’d like to share it with you today.

There once was a young man who lived as a leader in a village full of suffering and despair. People treated each other poorly and refused to pursue anything but their own self-interest. The man saw thieves and other evils and decided to leave. He left his village early one morning and walked all day before stopping to rest for the night. Worried that he would toss and turn in his sleep, before lying down, he took off his shoes and pointed them in the direction he was walking. That night, as he slept, some evil men from his original village came and decided to trick the man by turning his shoes 180 degrees. The next morning, the man awoke, put on his shoes and headed in the direction to which they pointed. He again walked all day. But this time, as night approached, he noticed a village before him. When he arrived, he thought it looked like his original village, but believing it was a different one, committed himself to making his new home a wonderful place to live. As a result, he went about addressing the problems in the village.

He built relationships with his fellow villagers and worked hard to strengthen the community. Before long, what had once been a village full of suffering and despair was now a place of joy, hope, love, and peace.

Just like the man in this story, when we look at our world with new eyes, we can be the ones who help address the problems and bring about communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. One way we can do this is through our financial contributions.

When we focus our giving on God’s purposes, our hearts become more aligned with God’s heart and we can be a part of bringing our villages, and the world closer to God’s preferred future.

Prayer Phrase

“…do good and share what you have” (Hebrews 13:16).

Enough and to Spare

Take three slow, deep breaths. As you inhale, silently say, “There is enough.” As you exhale, say, “And more to share.” Then name aloud or write down three ways you already experience God’s generosity in your life—big or small. End by asking, “How can I share from what I’ve been given today?”

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.