Today’s Blog: Strategic Selfishness?

TODAY’S PROVERBS: People curse anyone withholding grain, but blessing is on the head of one who dispenses it. Proverbs 11:26, TLV

Selfishness. I think we’ve all struggled at one time or another with selfishness. Someone asks us for a favor and we’re just too tired, or simply don’t want to do it.

But selfish behavior can also be a sign of a greater problem.

In today’s proverb, withholding grain is not about saving the harvest for the family. Hoarding the grain was strategic in order to wait for a better market so that they could increase the price. Or a means to exert power and control over those who need to purchase it.

That type of strategic selfishness is something followers of Jesus and children of the Most High God should be aware of.

If we feel a compulsion to refuse others in need, it’s important to pause and seek our Heavenly Father as to our motives. Is it because helping would be a detriment to our family, or are we self-serving to our own needs? Is our refusal based in fear or greed, or is it wisdom?

Of course, there is the other side of the penny. Being so generous that it has a negative affect on our health, or our family’s wellbeing. Especially for those of us in ministry, we can throw ourselves into “God’s work” to such a level that it becomes unhealthy. The need around us is so great.

There are times our Father will call us to sacrifice, but not every sacrifice is ordained by Him.

“Now this I pray, that your love might overflow still more and more in knowledge and depth of discernment . . .” 

PAUL, PHILIPPIANS 1:9, TLV

Our love can overflow and grow, however Father still wants us to employ wisdom and discernment. We know that He does with us. While He sacrificed His Son — His Son sacrificed His life — Father doesn’t give us everything we want or think we need.

Using wisdom and discernment is crucial to relationships. Using love and grace is too. By utilizing these incredible resources, we can give when called, and reserve when necessary.

If we are open to our Father’s direction, He’ll show us. And just a hint, reading, studying, and walking His wisdom is a great place to begin.

May we be wise in our generosity, my friends.

Proverbs 11:26 Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs

PINTEREST GRAPHIC–Thanks for sharing