"Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain; The worker is worthy of his wages".
1 Timothy 5:18
I took my car to the car wash the other day. It was the type in which you had the option of getting a simple run through or "the works". I, of course, elected to get the full treatment for my car. I watched patiently as the attendants vacuumed my car prior to sending it through the automated wash. Later, as it came through the final dryer stage, I watched another attendant enter my car and drive it over to the final prep area and then run back to retrieve another car coming out of the wash tunnel.
It was at this time that I reached into my wallet and took out $2.00 in order to tip the attendant who would complete the final stages of the wash. To be honest, I hesitated at the thought of even giving a tip because the full-service already had cost me $23.00. I clenched my fist around the two dollars I held in my hand and convinced myself that this amount was "just fine".
Minutes later a young man arrived at my car and began to get it ready for me to receive it. I stood by and watched with a deep satisfaction as he tended to my car as if it was his own. He was exceptionally meticulous as he cleaned the windows inside and out, wiped down the leather seats, polished the mirrors, and applied the coating material to my tires to make them shine. As he continued to detail my car I decided to go back inside to the attendant who manned the cash register and I asked him to make change for a $20.00. I realized that the young man deserved more than a $2.00 tip and I gifted him with $10.00 as I left.
Often we fail to follow the teaching that states "It is better to give than receive", (Acts 20:35). Having the ability to go shopping for clothes, to buy groceries on a regular basis or even to purchase items that we "want" and not necessarily need is a blessing within itself; but I have learned that I feel more joy in my heart whenever I "bless" another; especially when they are not expecting it.
I also believe that many do not give graciously, (such as generous tips to waiters in restaurants or money and other gifts to those who are obviously in need), is because these acts of kindness are not often reciprocated and one can easily sulk within himself and let that "human nature" take over that says "Well, what about them doing for me sometime?" Denying one's self is not always easy but it is necessary if we sincerely desire to show the light of God within us.
But this is what being a blessing is truly about, isn't it. I am blessed in the fact that I am able to live far better than I did as a child and that my family is well cared for. I love sending the random package to a friend or a family member who is not expecting anything at all. Giving goes beyond merely paying tithes in church. Giving means nothing if we only give to those who are able to pay us back.
How many people loose their blessings because they are only interested in what they can get out of this life for themselves? Can you remember when you were the type of friend who would say "If I've got ten dollars you have five of that? When we give out of faith and a pure heart we will find that our bucket will never run out of oil, (read 2 Kings chapter 4 regarding the prophet Elisha and the widow woman's oil).
Let's be salt, my friends. The world needs it badly.
I love you all.
Dennis
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