So, I have a new team this month… and this team shares everything with each other. They share their clothes, they share their electronics and they even share ALL of their food!
Now, I like to share because what better way to enjoy a cup of coffee than with a friend? Or how about chocolate? Well, maybe I really don’t like to share my chocolate because it’s mine after all, right? But, I do enjoy sharing things I enjoy with others so they can share in the enjoyment with me.
I appreciate reaping the benefits of such a giving and sharing team, but really, there are just some things I don’t want to share… and I certainly don’t want to share with everyone. Sharing is only enjoyable when I can trust the person or when I know that I will not have to go without. What if I share and I am left without when I really want or need that one thing? Or what if I share with someone who is careless with their own things and ruins that one thing that matters most to me? After all, it was only an accident so, of course, they wouldn’t replace it, would they?
I have been praying about this and asking the Lord to change my perspective to His own because I know there is selfishness and insecurity wrapped in my reasonings, but I think my concerns are quite practical. Why would I give beyond my means so I am left without? And why would I knowingly share something of value to me with someone who is known for carelessly breaking things? That doesn’t make any sense.
This is what the Lord showed me:
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
But Gooooooooooood! Why should I go without when I am trying to be responsible and budget wisely and care properly for MY things?
1 Corinthians 4:7
For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
Oh.
“Trust Me.”
Psalm 145:15-16
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
Well, there it is. The Lord would have me to share everything as if it were not my own because, it is not my own. The issue is trust. I believe the Lord can do everything He says He can. I believe He can provide for me in everything I need, but I do not yet believe that He will. I still fear He will not provide for my very basic needs, let alone anything I might actually enjoy. And why would He provide if I am not wise with my things?
Though He has proved it time and again, my heart still fears and fails to trust, but yet again, I will step out in faith and try to trust beyond my reason and hope that the Lord will catch me when I jump and that He will care for me as His Word says He will.
These aren’t my things anyway. It has all been given to me by the Lord in one way or another so how can I not share freely?
