LENT and the Corpath Member - WEEK 4
Over the next few weeks Monday Meditations will be looking at the topic of the Lenten Season and how we, as Corpath members, can embrace and participate with this meaningful time in the Christian calendar.
The world is full of people in need. Many people are challenged financially, and they are often easy to spot. Drive through the downtown core of any city and you will see them on the side of the streets or at intersections holding signs asking for spare change.
Q: What is your typical response when you see these people?
There are many institutions that have been created to support people in need. These organizations are often birthed from a personal experience of an individual that developed a passion and concern for those afflicted in a very specific way. Organizations that help people with addictions, unwanted pregnancies, domestic violence, etc. are all examples of this. These organizations do a great job of gathering and assembling people in need into a service program that specifically helps them solve some of the most pressing issues they are facing. Yet, despite their efforts, there are still people who need help that may not have been caught by these programs.
About 15 years ago I read a book written by a gentleman named Mike Yankoski entitled, “My 30 Days Under the Overpass”. In the pages, Mike tells the stories of how he wanted to specifically experience what it would be like to be homeless in urban centres. He explains in vivid detail some of the struggles the people on the streets face on a regular basis. The book also challenges the reader to engage with these people in unique and specific ways. For me, the book was thought-provoking and life-altering. I no longer look at the homeless the same way. In fact, I probably never saw the homeless much at all prior to reading the book. Since then, I have developed a rather unique perspective on my responsibility to them. I might not be able to help every homeless person in the world, but I can do something good for the one that God puts right in front of me and calls me to act. I have many stories in this regard but will save them for another time.
When we think of the act of charitable giving, we often think of it in regard to sharing our finances. People that need food often need money to buy the food. People that need housing often need money for rent. It seems to all come down to money. However, is that really the case?
We have all been blessed with a measure of success that most in the world does not enjoy. We also have struggles, for sure, but most of our struggles are not characterized by “survive or die” situations. We have been given an abundance of TIME, TALENT, and RESOURCES and are expected to be good stewards of these things as we live our lives following Christ.
Throughout my professional career, it’s been interesting to recognize that some of the most affluent people around me can be the neediest. They sometimes encounter deep emotional struggles and need a listening ear. Or maybe have gone through tragic situations and need support. At times, I have been the person in need.
When God puts a situation in front of us, I believe we are being asked to be the person that represents Him in that situation. How will we give TIME to the person in need? What gifts or TALENTS do we have that can help them? What RESOURCES do we have and can give generously to help them through a tough situation?
Sure, giving charitably often involves some level of financial commitment but it doesn’t always have to. Sometimes it just requires us to step up and respond in a way that shows the love of Christ.
Q: Who around you right now might need your charitable support?
The Bible has much to say about giving charitably. Consider these verses as you reflect and meditate on what it means to be a charitable giver:
James 1:27 - “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’”
Matthew 6:19-21 - “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
As a Corpath member, our mission is to pursue excellence in business, life, and spirit as we bring glory to God. One of the best ways we can do this in the marketplace, and in the world around us, is to be charitable with others.
Find unique ways to express the love of Christ with charity this week.
Prayer:
My heavenly Father, I thank you for this message today. I praise you for generously giving your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the example of how to be charitable in all things. As I walk through my week, I pray you would reveal to me ways in which I can show charity and your love to others. Let me be courageous and generous and expect nothing in return. I humbly submit to you. Amen
If you would like to continue a more intentional journey of honest reflection and faith this Lenten Season, consider using this series available to you as part of your FREE Corpath Member subscription at RightNow Media. Watch it and talk about it with your family and Forum Group members.
The Lent Experience, by Eric Ferris.
https://app.rightnowmedia.org/content/details/468550
Blessings always and all-ways,
Steve Shrout
President
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this email is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development and SPIRITUAL growth.
