Prayer to manage our resources wisely
Written by Sophia Bricker
Bible reading:
“Be fruitful in obedience to repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘Our father is Abraham.'” For God tells you that out of these stones He will be able to raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the tree, and every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. ” “What shall we do then?” asked the crowd. John answered, “He who has two coats should share with him who has nothing, and he who has food should likewise do the same” (Luke 3:8-11, NIV).
Listen or read below:
I frowned when I saw the expiration date written on the package. There were only 4 eggs left, so the family had eaten most of the 12 eggs. Still, I looked at the shape that remained in the package and thought about how it could have been used in a meal.
“Waste not, want not” is an old saying that has become somewhat of a cliché. But as I threw the expired eggs in the trash, I couldn’t help but remember something my grandmother and mother used to say. I usually make a habit of making use of what I have, because I know how difficult it is to have enough. This time, the date crept up on me. Images of families in my town and around the world came to mind. I was here throwing away expired surplus food, even though so many people on earth, individuals made in God’s image, struggle to have enough food. Guilt weighed on me as I made dinner.
The Bible teaches that those who have more than enough have a responsibility to share what they have with those in need. John the Baptist included this instruction when he addressed the crowds who came to be baptized. True repentance brings about a change in character and, as a result, a change in behavior. The Lord had already made this principle clear to His people Israel, including the command to love your neighbor (Leviticus 19:18). Not taking the cloak as a pledge or refraining from harvesting the field for a second time were practical applications of this command (Exodus 22:26-27; Leviticus 19:9-10; 23:22).
Similarly, in the early church, followers of Christ regularly used their resources to bless those around them. They gave what they had to those in need (Acts 2:45). Such generosity came from the work of the Holy Spirit as He produced spiritual fruit of love and kindness in their lives. Because they were washed and renewed by the Holy Spirit, their priorities in life looked different than before they knew Jesus. They had been transformed.
The same call remains for Christians today. We are to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8, NIV). Using what we have wisely to help others naturally flows from our relationship with the Lord. We care for the poor and feed the hungry as if we were directly caring for our Savior (see Matthew 25:34-40).
So let’s be grateful for the resources we have, big and small. And if you already have enough to meet your basic needs, find ways to share what you have with others instead of wasting it. In doing so, we honor the One who has given us more than we could ever imagine or deserve.
Let’s pray:
Lord, forgive me for wasting my resources. I live in a society that emphasizes getting more, often more than we need, while at the same time promoting waste. As I lean into my relationship with You, help me re-prioritize around the things You care about: justice, mercy, compassion, love, and kindness. By your Holy Spirit, produce in me actions that come from faith.
Let me be grateful for the necessities you provide and live contentedly. Let us live with open arms and an open heart so that we can immediately think of others as we utilize our resources. Please tell me how I can donate what I have left over to bless those in need. And may we, in all circumstances, care for others as if we were directly serving You, our Savior. Jesus, I pray in your name. Amen.
Discuss today’s devotion with others in the “Daily Prayer” thread in the Crosswalk Forums.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Kate Remmer
Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help people grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotions, and stories. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Christian Ministry, which included extensive study in Scripture and theology, as well as a master’s degree in creative writing. You can read her thoughts on literature and faith in The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack. You can also visit Cultivate, a disciple-based site she writes with her sister.
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