The Lord, via Moses, is telling the Israelites to be mindful of others. He tells them if they forget about a bundle of grain out in the field, don't go back for it. Leave it for someone else. When they harvest olives and grapes, they should harvest well, but not go through the vines a second time. What they missed, can be a meal for someone who needs it more than they do. God is trying to develop generous habits for his people.
So often today, we pinch every penny, take all we can get, and live pretty selfishly. God wants me to overlook certain things so I can leave some for others. How can I live out Deut. 24:21 in 2016?
- I could give away my extra change instead of always putting it in my piggy bank.
- I could buy an extra item or two at the grocery store and give it to the food shelf.
- I could re-wear clothes so I do less laundry and save water for others.
- I could ride my bike or walk and save gas for others.
- I could drink from real mugs and glasses and save plastic for others (and the earth).
The key with all of this, as in everything else in life, is that this must become a habit. That is in fact what God is doing in Deut. 24. He is developing habits with his people. How can I develop better generosity habits today?
God, help me to be more generous. Help me to develop the proper habits to be generous this week. Amen.
