LOVE BY SERVING OTHERS: QUIT SELF-SERVING AVENUE

Christian Treasure Devotion

Love by serving others: Quit the Self-Serving Avenue:

Anchor Scripture: "And God can make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." – 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV)

A man shared his testimony of how God helped him survive a horrific car crash that claimed two lives, while he only suffered minor injuries. He explained that God had blessed him abundantly in every area of his life because he made a covenant to give to charities that support the needy, the vulnerable, and widows. He had been living in plenty, enjoying divine health with his family. Before the accident, he couldn't remember the last time they visited the hospital for any ailment, except for routine check-ups.

By the end of 2025, he decided he was done taking care of others. He resolved that this year, he would focus solely on himself and his family for their holiday in December. He felt tired of carrying the burdens of others, thinking he deserved to enjoy some personal time as he had not traveled to the places he loved due to his charitable commitments. Consequently, he refused to sign the vouchers for aid he usually provided, leaving the widows and other groups waiting in vain. Hopes that depended on him faded as he neglected his commitments. He planned to travel a day before Christmas, with his family already having left a few days prior.

On the way to the airport with his driver, they encountered a horrific car accident involving a parked vehicle and a trailer. The trailer driver attempted to overtake him but collided with an incoming car traveling at high speed. The resulting crash killed several instantly, and amid the chaos, his driver lost control of the car, hitting the trailer from behind. Both he and his driver suffered only minor injuries.

He recognized that the devil sought to take his life, exploiting his disobedience. Normally, every December 24th, he gathered the widows together to pray with them before distributing the yearly sacrificial gifts. That day, however, he was absent from his usual place of service and wouldn't have been on the road if he had adhered to his commitments.

Story 2

Strange occurrences often serve as lessons. Last Christmas, another man and his family decided they were through with giving to the vulnerable. Two days before Christmas, they embarked on a trip to the countryside. What should have been a few-hour journey extended to almost eight days. Despite embarking on a well-serviced car, it broke down along the way, requiring significant time and money to repair. Frustratingly, he had to send his family ahead while he dealt with the car troubles, which took a toll on his finances as he lodged in hostels and searched for parts.

The Parable of the Rich Selfish Man

In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells the story of a rich, selfish man whose farm produced a massive harvest. He planned to build bigger barns to store his crops and said to himself, "Soul, eat, relax, and enjoy." However, God replied, "You fool, this very night your soul will be required of you."

LESSONS LEARNED TODAY:

Whatever measure we give, especially of our wealth, we should not consume it solely for ourselves. Remember that God gives you the power to gain wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).

Additionally, many billionaires, even those who are not Christians, engage in charitable giving, and the Lord blesses them. This is the principle of sowing and reaping; they generously support charities and reap abundant rewards.

ASSIGNMENT:

Quit the self-serving avenue and serve others. Life is not only about you. Remember, some withhold and tend toward poverty, while those who scatter generously become rich (Proverbs 11:24-.

REFLECTION:

Reflect on any area in your life where you have been self-serving. Inculcate charity, no matter how small, and the Lord will provide all grace toward you according to our anchor scripture. The Lord will ensure you have enough in Jesus' name, amen.

PRAYERS:

Father, thank You for Your words to me today. All glory be to You in Jesus' name. Lord, I ask for forgiveness in every area of my life where I have only focused on myself and neglected others. In Jesus' name, amen.