Giving Freely

They have given freely to the poor, and their righteousness stands fast for ever; they will hold up their head with honor.

- Psalm 112

This passage, which praises those that fear the Lord, goes into some detail about the specifics of how Christians actually behave. What are their acts? What are these good deeds that yield such blessings upon them and their families?

Well, one stands out. God narrows down his mission for us, into just a few items:

• Care for widows
• Protect and provide for orphans
• Welcome aliens
• Live morally and in purity

This particular verse says that the God-fearing person gives "freely to the poor."

Wow. "Giving freely" doesn't even allude much, to having a well-disciplined budget. 

I have to share something that popped into my mind recently. It's just a little phrase that entered into my thinking, and it has to do with this verse. But it goes like this, and if anybody is actually reading this it may have the same effect as "smoking them out."

People that visit Disney World (or the equivalent) more than once a decade are not helping the poor enough.

So there it is. I mean, where's your faith? Don't you believe that the Kingdom of God, in eternity, is way more enjoyable, way more important, than expensive vacations in this life?

Most of the world is poor. Most people in our own communities may never get to Disney World. But when we go, we make sure everyone knows it.

If we give freely to the poor, it should limit, somewhat, the kinds of nice things we can do for ourselves.

The person that gives, freely, is the same person that can hold his or her head up high, with honor.