The Call To Pay It Forward
Scripture Reading
Ecclesiastes 11:1 (NRSVUE)
“Send out your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will get it back.”
Introductory Remarks:
There is a Universal Bank Account or Treasury into which we store our preferences every moment of the day. Our daily actions or deeds, thoughts, words, feelings, and reactions either serve as deposits into the account or withdrawals from the account.
Be intentional about storing or depositing what matters in your spiritual treasury, for after many days, or sooner, you will have access to it. You can ‘withdraw’ from it because you have ‘Paid it Forward!’
Major Points of the Lesson:
Through our thoughts, words, feelings, actions or deeds, and reactions we store treasures (that which we value most). Store spiritual treasures (kindness, love, generosity, respect, and hope etc.) and not earthly treasures, alone. When you do, you Pay It Forward and withdrawals are always possible for you.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NRSVUE)
2. Unlike earthly treasures (material things) that are subject to erosion, devaluation, and decrease, the spiritual treasures (intangible things like kindness) are eternal and they never diminish. You can access them, always.
Quote:
“Invest in spiritual treasure, above all else. It will travel with you eternally, and guide you in the storing of earthly treasure. With all thy getting, get this spiritual understanding.” Sheila McKeithen
RECOMMENDED ASSIGNMENT:
Perform at least 1 Act of Kindness every day this week, beginning today. Do it for you. Do it because you are ‘paying it forward.’