GREEDY BIRDS

GREEDY BIRDS

READ:
2 Corinthians 9:6-15

God is able to make all grace
abound toward you, that you...
may have an abundance for every
good work. -2 Corinthians 9:8

Every year when I put out the hummingbird feeder, the busy little birds start battling for position.  Even though there are four places at the "table," the birds fight for whatever place one of their neighbors is using.  The source of food at each place is the same-a reservoir of syrup in the bottom of the feeder.  Knowing that all the feeding stations are equal, I shake my head at their greediness.

But then I wonder, Why is it so much easier to see the greed of the birds than it is to see my own?  I often want the place at "God's table" that someone else has, even though I know all good things come from the same source-God-and that His supply will never run out.  Since God can prepare a table for us even in the presence of our enemies (Psalm 23:5), why be concerned that someone else might have the station in life that we want?

The Lord is able to give us "all sufficiency in all things" so that we will have "an abundance for every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8).  When we recognize the importance of our work as ministers of the grace of God (1 Peter 4:10), we'll stop fighting to take over someone else's position and be grateful for the place God has given us to serve others on His behalf. -Julie Ackerman Link

Thank You for the privilege we have to serve You by
serving others, Lord.  Help us to be content to fill
the place where You have put us, so that
You might be glorified through us.
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Resentment comes from looking at others;
contentment comes from looking at God.

INSIGHT
In this chapter, Paul uses several tactics to encourage the Corinthians to be generous in giving to the Lord's work.  He compliments them for their previous generosity and tells them that he has shared a good report with others about them (vv.1-2).  He sent emissaries to bring up the subject of their contributing once again (vv.3-5).  Finally, he appeals to them, showing how giving will reap blessing (vv.6-7).

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace