The Trouble with Treasures

We’re continuing our study of “building blocks” for soul growth. Today’s topic is “G”, the Generosity Block.

Today’s scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:10-15 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)

As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.

My thoughts (Cheryl Stonestreet):

Today’s passage in Ecclesiastes reminds me of of my dogs, Trigger and Rebel, when I give them a morning treat. (Trigger is the little one in the picture.) Rebel munches her treat on the spot. There is no hesitation to her enjoyment whatsoever. In a couple of crunches, it is gone.

But Trigger is totally different. He is like the scripture that says, “riches were kept by their owners to their hurt.” Trigger takes his treat, runs under the bed with it, and then guards it viciously — all day.

When I come home he does not greet me at the door; he is still under the bed guarding his biscuit. His day was exhausting. It was a lot of work keeping Spike the cat away from his treasure! (People say you can tell a lot about people by what they name their animals, but I don’t believe a word of it.)

And to his hurt, Trigger is tired and worn out at the end of the day. On the days where he holds station over his biscuit, he is a lot less enthusiastic about going out for a walk, while Rebel is like the laborers whose sleep is sweet. She had her treat and then slept all day and is ready for anything when I come home.

Life is so much easier when I simply enjoy each gift and blessing as it comes rather than when I am hoarding, fretting, and living in fear. When I am guarding things, I am living in fear. When I live in fear, I lose is the ability to live generously. It’s hard to give when my hands are tightly clutched.

Thought for the day: We come into the world naked, and we take nothing with us when we go, so what do I possess that keeps me from enjoying the moment? What am I guarding that closes me off from God and my fellows and keeps me from a life of generosity?

We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.