The Good of All

Sometimes good things come to us quite unexpectedly: didn't ask for it, didn't expect it, wasn't even on our radar! Next, our minds are spinning about what to do with this new blessing. These words from Every Moment Holy challenge and inspire me: "We pause amidst the labors of this day to remember the best reason for our laboring. We labor, O Lord, as stewards of your creation, and as stewards of the gifts you have apportioned to each of us for the good of all." Perhaps many Believers fall into the snare of apportioning "for the good of me" that which has been divinely apportioned "for the good of all." Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”(Luke 6:38). What shame when we hold so tightly that which is [in truth] not ours, only given to us so that we may in turn distribute in "good measure" for the "good of others." The prayer continues, "Bless then the works of our hands and minds and hearts, O God, that they might bear fruit for Your greater purposes." Consider that which you are holding so tightly and withholding for God's great purpose ... give for the good of all.