What makes you feel safe and secure? What do you need to have to feel like life is good, that you have no worries? I confess that for me it is having enough money to support my lifestyle. So I go out and strive to make money. I often justify that effort with the good intention of providing for my family. And when I achieve a measure of success and accumulate some wealth, I risk becoming haughty of heart, thinking I’ve made all this money because of my own efforts. Have you ever felt this way? We forget, or worse, ignore the truth that God gives us everything, including the talent and ability, and the time, to work, to achieve, and accumulate (Dt. 8:18).
St. Paul warns against thinking. He tells us in 1 Cor 10:12, “Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.” It is not our bank account that helps us to stand secure. Large and growing investment accounts do not give us the safety and security we need. God is our safety and security.
Of course – we know this. In overwhelming humility and gratitude, we should remember that all we have and all we are is because of God’s gifts to us. The appropriate response to God is to say along with the Psalmist, “Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” (Ps. 103:2) We should ask, “How can I repay the Lord for all the good done for me?” (Ps. 116:12)
How can we repay the Lord? By praising Him for all His benefits. Giving alms is praising God (Sir. 35:4). Giving sacrificially is your declaration that you stand secure in the love of God. Generosity is the best expression of your gratitude and trust in God to provide. Give to the Lord for all the good done for you.
Photo Credit: Robert Davis
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