By Mfortaw, Ewang Nelson
Copyright © 2014 by Mfortaw, Ewang Nelson.
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS MARKED
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright©1973,1978,1984 by International Bible Society. Used by Permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide, www.zondervan.com.
Unless otherwise indicated, all other quotations from scripture have been taken from the Holy Bible, Authorized King James Version®.
These devotionals are designed for Christians. If you still need to become a Christian, we encourage you to download our free e-book, The Flame of Revival.
“For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.'” – Deuteronomy 15:11 (NKJV)
Needy people are not necessarily poor, but rather anyone who requires your assistance. Those in need may be less privileged than you for various reasons.
If you observe the world, you will notice that it contains everything necessary for everyone to be financially, socially, and economically satisfied. So why do we still have poverty and needy people?
The issue is not a lack of resources, as stated in God’s plan (Deuteronomy 15:4, NIV); rather, it is self-centeredness that perpetuates this problem.
Why are there still underprivileged individuals in our families, workplaces, or communities? It is our responsibility to help those who are less fortunate. If God provides equally for all, how do we live out His character in this world? What happens to His Kingdom (Character) in this world? As we pray, “Our Father in heaven, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” The world needs to reflect God’s character—His identity—as evidence of His creation.
God desires to see kindness, love, tolerance, forgiveness, peace, joy, gratitude, humility, and other virtues in our world. When everyone embodies these qualities, we can achieve peace and fulfillment.
God blesses you so that you may bless others. You are not placed in a position of authority in your company, government, institution, family, society, or church to act rudely or unjustly. Instead, you are called to be gentle, respectful, and helpful to those who genuinely need assistance.
Blessings come not only from giving alms in church but also from being merciful, kind, honest, forgiving, and tolerant in society. As it is written, “I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink…” (Matthew 25:35-36,40, NIV). God is not only interested in providing for the world, but also in seeing His character manifested within it.
He values character, so instead of boasting about your privileges, take pride in how much of God’s character you can demonstrate daily.
Even within Christianity (Deuteronomy 15:4,11, NIV), the needy will always exist for His beauty to be revealed among us. While poverty may be justified in the world due to a self-serving philosophy of “everyone for themselves and God for all,” in Christianity, sharing and helping those in need should alleviate this issue, just as the early church practiced. However, what can God do when even leaders in the church prioritize their interests and tell everyone to “look up to God”?
You portray the poor as a curse with your misguided doctrines, and you show disdain for those in need in your churches (Galatians 2:10, NIV), yet you still seek recognition as God’s people (1 John 3:17, NIV). Remember, some of the most outstanding individuals in the world have experienced poverty—share that lesson with your children.
Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!
What do people gain from their selfish interests? They devise malicious plans, scheming to betray others, only to realize that the riches of this world remain within it—it is a vicious cycle.
They lay traps for others, not understanding that everything gained from such schemes will stay in this world. We are merely pilgrims here on earth.
Generations come and go, but what truly belongs to you is what goes into you, and what really contributes to your legacy is what you give to others. They will remember your name long after you are gone.
You toil day and night to leave a legacy for a careless descendant, only to see them squander all your savings within a year, disregarding all the principles you held dear.
In vain, you outsmart everyone to keep everything to yourself, only to find that both the powerful and the weak share the same fate with death. Nothing material comes into this world, and nothing leaves. You depart as you arrived; even that coffin belongs to the grave.
In vain, they may bury you in a golden coffin to impress others, but you will soon be forgotten in this life.
Generations come and go; who can foresee what their descendants will do? This is also vanity. It is futile for you to work tirelessly in the hopes of leaving a legacy, only to discover that your true legacy depends on who your children are. Perhaps you would have spent more time instructing them in the fear of God.
Life has become a mockery: I have seen a rich and powerful man give birth to an enemy. His offspring is a squanderer.
Life resembles a drama, with everyone fighting for what they can never keep, all chasing after the wind. We often realize this truth when we are too old.
Truly, the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord.
Lord, keep me away from falsehood and selfishness; grant me neither poverty nor riches, but only my daily bread. Let me not be pure in my own eyes, but instead have a generous heart.
I was poor, but now I am rich—I am rich in you. You have blessed me so that I may bless others.
May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Devotional Categories
To access the complete devotional, simply enter your email below. You’ll receive instant access and be the first to get weekly spiritual insights that strengthen your walk and financial wisdom.