Day 16: Read Luke Chapter 16
A Listening Heart
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Recently, a couple parked their car outside a busy store and set up several colored cups decorated with bows on the hood. Then they placed a gift under each cup.
They set up to play a game of lift a cup, and you’ll win whatever is under it. The wife called out to those passing by to come and play the game. She said, “all you have to do is lift a cup and whatever is underneath is yours.”
Several passed by and waved her off. But one young woman stopped to play, and she won a $50 gift card. She was excited and grateful.
Shortly after, a second woman walked by while talking on the phone. She seemed disinterested, but the game lady persuaded her to play. At first, she was like, “this can’t be real,” but reluctantly, she lifted a cup, and guess what?
She won the biggest surprise of all the gifts under the cups. It was a couple of rolled-up hundred-dollar bills.
The woman who won couldn’t believe it…
Woman: Shocked and surprised, she asked, “are you serious? You mean this is all for me?”
Game Lady: I’m very serious. It’s all for you. It’s our way of giving back
Woman: Oh my God, you’ve got to be kidding me. I’ve got three boys, and I wasn’t sure I was gonna get them anything for Christmas this year.
Woman: Sobbing and shaking, oh my God
Game Lady: It’s ok, it’s ok. We hope you enjoy your holidays. It’s all for you.
The two women embraced, and the game lady and her husband wished her well.
This couple’s generosity touched my heart and moved me to tears. Even when people made it hard for them to share their gifts, they didn’t let that deter them. Their only agenda was to help people have a wonderful Christmas holiday.
Their kindness made me pause, reflect, and ask how I can use my gifts, talents, and resources to serve and bless others.
Stewardship: Sharing Your Gifts
The shrewd manager in Luke 16: 1-13 didn’t manage his master’s resources well. But when he saw that he would be fired, he quickly changed his management style.
You and I have been given gifts, talents, time, and resources. How we manage them, especially money, is a sign of what’s important to us. Our ability to share with others reflects the depth of our devotion and relationship with God.
You and I are blessed to use our gifts to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace. (1 Peter 4:10). Having a healthy attitude toward money helps us love others and live out our faith in new ways. It will free us from all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). We cannot worship money and serve God at the same time, but we can have fulfillment and joy as we share the gifts God has given us.
In what ways will you live out your faith and share your gifts in a fresh new way this Christmas?
Prayer: Lord, help me to manage the gifts and resources you have given me faithfully. This Christmas season, I want to be hospitable to my family and others I may encounter. Please bless all the homeless, lonely, the sick, and every family who has a need. Thank you for allowing me to live out my faith in a fresh new way. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. Luke 16:13
Share your favorite verse from Luke 16 in the comments below.
May the Lord send you destiny helpers and fill you with peace, joy, and love this holiday season.
Day 16: This post is part of the Come Away with Jesus Christmas Challenge.
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