Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Friday, March 11, 2016
“The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” (Proverbs 11:25)
In a world where the number one concern in the minds of many people is self, it is encouraging to know that the Lord operates on principles that are higher. There are many who are very generous, but are seldom rewarded. Some are tempted to think that it is not worth it to help from the kindness of their hearts when their efforts are not appreciated.
The Lord Jesus is the best example of one who was not appreciated, yet He continued giving. “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (John 1:10-11). Even the Creator of the world, was regarded lightly by those whom He created, but His purpose was not abated. “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28). If the Lord of life could press through the heaviness of being unappreciated when He came to save the world from eternal condemnation, we may do the same. Since He was our example, there is no doubt that He can enable us to exercise altruistic benevolence, just as He did.
Those who are more interested in the welfare of others, rather than themselves, are blessed abundantly. When we think of giving, it is natural to think that the more we give, the less we will have. In the natural world, this is true, but in the supernatural world, things are much different. When we give unreservedly to the Lord, He returns a hundred fold. When we yield our lives to Him, He gives us the imparted life of Jesus. When we share with others, He shares with us. “Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.” (Mark 10:28-31).
Does this mean that the Lord can be bribed? No. The Lord cannot be bribed or influenced in that way, but He does keep His promises that He made because of His own righteousness. “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” (Proverbs 11:25).
When you are tempted to think that nobody appreciates you, just know that any sincere service is registered in the books of heaven. When Jesus comes, His reward will be with Him. He will bestow the ultimate blessing upon on those who love Him–everlasting life.
