Ding-dong!
“Who’s that ringing the doorbell?” I wondered aloud. My husband Kenya and I certainly weren’t expecting any company at the Hobbs household for Sunday dinner. In fact, we were hoping for a quiet afternoon enjoying family time together.
Yesterday, instead of making a traditional meal, we decided to whip up a couple pizzas with the kids. Preparing homemade pizza is always a big hit with them and an awesome way to create yummy food the whole family enjoys. Each time, we simply let the Hobbs clan gather around the table and add all the toppings, while Mommy and Daddy supervise and guide them through the process.
It makes for a good meal and great fun.
“I’ll get it honey,” Kenya said rising from the table mid-chew.
When he opened the door, I heard a familiar high-pitched voice ask, “Would you like to buy some lemonade?” I knew right away it was our little blonde-haired, gray-eyed neighbor, Zoe, accompanied by her two "sales associates," who also happen to be her cousins.
“Sure! How much is the lemonade?” Kenya asked.
“A dollar,” replied the gleeful voice.
Times sure have changed, haven’t they? Remember when neighborhood kids sold cups of lemonade for 10, 15, or 25 cents? Not anymore. Inflation has hit the kiddie lemonade stands!
Man.
One of my favorite guilty pleasures from McDonald’s—a large sweet tea—is a buck.
Notwithstanding, Kenya didn’t hesitate. He sprinted upstairs and returned with a crisp dollar bill in exchange for a quarter of a cup of lemonade… literally a quarter of a cup. We both laughed about that small sip contained in that tall brown disposable cup.
Even though some might argue that Kenya didn’t get his money’s worth, only a stingy curmudgeon could turn down a cute entrepreneurial neighborhood kid, right?
Besides, the payoff wasn’t what Kenya received, but rather, what he gave. He was able to support a young child’s efforts to earn money, which made the investment worth every cent.
This is the mentality we must adopt if we want to be the one God can use. We have to be willing to give, work, and sacrifice for the greater good. We can’t live a “me-focused” life and expect to impact the world.
No.
God is seeking someone who has a genuine heart and desire to be a blessing. Unlike those who live their lives by the “WIIFM” (What’s in it for me?) philosophy, the Lord blesses and uses individuals who willingly and gladly offer up what they have for the benefit of someone else.
Sadly, opportunists who are perpetually focused on personal gain can never truly be used by God, because their motives are not quite pure. They won’t extend their hands to help anyone who can’t offer up something in return, unless, of course, they will be openly praised for it. Folks like this haven’t internalized the lesson found in Matthew 6:1 ESV which says, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.”
It can’t be about being seen, compensated, repaid, or praised. Giving of ourselves must come from a pure heart that longs to bless others and please the Lord. If we get away from that, it will hinder us from being effective Kingdom builders. That's why, today, I want to put Acts 20:35 in your cup of inspiration. It says, “And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you will be reminded that you, my friend, are blessed to be a blessing. What God has given you is not for you. It is for the benefit of others. He wants you to use your gifting, resources, and unique abilities to impact the world.
What you possess is designed to help those who are feeble, oppressed, helpless, powerless, discouraged, lost, despised, forgotten, spiritually weak, passed over, mistreated, and dismissed.
Sometimes you will feel led by God to give money. At other times inspiration; compassion; a listening ear; a book like I talked about in this post; a ride; a piece of jewelry someone admires; a place to stay for a while; a smile; or even a dollar for a quarter of a cup of lemonade to encourage a child.
I admonish you to purpose in your heart to be the one God can use. How? By allowing your love, generosity, and good works to reflect the image of Christ within a dark world. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
Lord, thank You for reminding me that what you have given me is not for me. It is for the benefit others so they can see the light of Your love shining through me. Please make me more aware of opportunities to be a blessing and help me respond in a way that pleases You and uplifts someone else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, empower, and encourage you!
