Greedy Giving
The name fits, and it was happening again, although I didn't hear of any deaths.
Black Friday. The day following Thanksgiving in the United States. Originating
in Philadelphia, the name was given because of heavy pedestrian and vehicle
traffic from shoppers patronizing retail stores offering tempting items at
reduced prices. Use widened to describe retailer's transition into "the black"
from "the red" because of purchases shoppers made.
Perhaps we should widen the meaning to include actions displayed by consumers
who stampede stores in the morning's wee hours to take advantage of enticing
sale items. Actions like trampling and killing fellow shoppers, mugging
vulnerable women in retail parking lots, using pepper spray to disperse crowds
gathered around an item you want and hitting people over the head with boot
boxes.
Christmas season brings out our giving spirits; this is honorable. The actions
displayed prior to the giving can be dishonorable and selfish-even criminal.
Prophesying about the Christ child's birth, Isaiah spoke of a unique act of
unselfish giving: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the
government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).
Greed and give appear to be mutually exclusive but can occur in the same time
and place yet shouldn't. Giving gifts to our family and friends is a wonderful
way to show love. Cursing, pushing, shouting and committing violent acts to
secure gifts to give poisons the intent.
God gave the greatest gift with no sale price attached. His gift was unselfish
and purely from love. He allowed his Son to leave heaven's glory for a sin
damaged world. The price he paid in letting his Son take on human flesh and our
sins, and the price Jesus paid by dying for them, was supreme.
Our giving should parrot Jesus'. Gifts are never as important as the motives
with which they're given and the actions displayed getting them. One affects our
eternal rewards and the other our testimony. What do you need to change so you
can give like God?
Prayer: God our Father, enable us to give the way You have given to us.
Martin Wiles mandmwiles@homesc.com
Harleyville, South Carolina, USA
www.morningliteministry.com