A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. Proverbs 18:16
Memorial Day can be spent remembering the contributions of others for the freedoms I enjoy or the consumption of big ticket sale items at the store. Very differing experiences feeding the soul. Daily I consume both necessities and luxuries with just one click of a button. My kids have learned at early ages to identify the Amazon logo and enjoy opening the boxes as soon as they arrive. Consuming is made easy. Consumerism drives society. The American dream is predominantly centered around consumerism.
What else can we consume besides stuff? Technology. Food. Entertainment or leisure. Everyday as I live, move and breath, I consume. Can the same be said for my contributions? How am I contributing to the greater good and is this necessary? I would argue an affirmative yes! Prioritize contributions. Minimize consumerism. What would our world be like if everyone would adopt this philosophy? In times of war this has been done through rationing. Can I ration my consumerism today to become a better contributor?
What does this have to do with food and the Bible? The greatest commandments are to show love to God and others. The Bible encourages and gives examples of how the early church lived out contributing to the needs of others. Jesus made a point in his teachings and miracles to show the joy of contributing from feeding the multitude with fish and bread to serving up wine at the wedding feast to applauding the extravagant gift from the woman who poured oil on His feet. The proverb above is good food for thought.
Contributing comes in various forms: time, talents, treasures, and the gift of presence. Contributing can take me out of my comfort zone and into a delightful world of purpose. In a couple of weeks there will be a line of people across the street from our home, needing a warm meal and bed for the night. This local church takes part in the DupagePADS ministry. My kids and I have helped prepare the 100 temporary beds for the homeless before the meal service begins. Our contribution makes us remember to be thankful for the basics of life and not to be consumed by the luxuries. Contributing takes time, maybe risky, but definitely spreads joy and hopefully gratitude.
My little contributions of Freelyfeast.com posts on the web and other social media are not meant to be judgemental but provide hope, conviction and challenge one’s journey to a richer soul. I am blessed by those who contribute to my life and I hope to pass on this tradition of contributing to my kids. Consuming may bring delight for the moment, but the benefits in contributing can bring joy for a lifetime. Ask a veteran this weekend what they gained from their contribution of service to this country. Freedom has a price. Be thankful and try not to allow the sale items to consume your weekend.
What feeds my consumerism? How do I become a better contributor?