God's Loan Managers

It’s not something we normally think about. But, perhaps we should. Whatever gifts or talents God has given me must be used to His benefit - not mine. If whatever I have increased in value or worth, it is because He has granted me the increase. If there is any doubt in my mind about this fact, all I have to do is realize how quickly the profits of property or investments can be “wiped out.” Stock markets crash and property can be devalued, and there is nothing I can do other than “take the hit.” Events are beyond me - but not God.

Where can we invest our God-given “gifts” and be assured of the best returns? Be kind and give to the poor? No, I have not become an investment counselor. I am simply recommending that we follow the advice of Solomon: “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He (not the poor) will reward him for what he has done.” The “wisdom” of Solomon encourages generosity toward those who are “poor” or seemingly lack God’s blessings. Further, if we care for the poor, we are being obedient to the teachings of Jesus as well as the teachings of Solomon.

What we do to and for the poor we are doing to and for the Lord. Jesus said that “what you do to the poor you do to me.” Could it be that God is testing our trust in Him by giving to the poor? When we see or hear about the “least of these” and do nothing, is God giving us a “head, heart and hand” test? We have God’s teachings in our heads but they do not honor Him unless we let them flow through our hearts and hands to those who lack in His blessings.

“Kind to the poor” as used here implies that the poor will never be able to repay us for what we do for them on behalf of God. However, it does, without a doubt, imply that we are “lending to the Lord” and it is God - not the poor - who becomes obligated to us for the “return on our investment.” We are in fact lending “it” to Him. And when He makes a promise, we can take it to the bank!

Prayer: Lord, we “guard” our possessions as though they belong to us. And when we do, we are only deceiving ourselves. May we realize that all we have is actually Yours! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Proverbs 19:17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done.