Scripture: James 2:5-7 (TNIV)
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?

Thought for the Day: Recently, the CEO of computer manufacturer Lenovoreceived a $3 million bonus for a job well done. He immediately redistributed the bonus to the workers on the line, the “average Joes” who are the backbone of the company. Yuan Yuanqing understands that the entire Lenovo team is responsible for that company’s tremendous success in the PC space. Rather than exploiting his team, he shared a reward for a job well done.

This sort of altruism has a wide-ranging effect. By giving away money he did not in any way need (he had already received a $5 million bonus), he’s added to the happiness and job satisfaction of Lenovo’s line workers. The generous act also energizes the Chinese economy, because each of those workers now has an extra couple thousand yuan in their pockets. Which is enough to buy a brand new Lenovo laptop.

Sharing is awesome. When those who are blessed with riches of any sort (talent, money, strength, compassion) share with others, we start a chain reaction of events that ultimately bring more joy and love into the world.

And the more joy and love we have in the world, the closer we move to God’s kingdom, here and now.

Prayer: God of Compassion, Mercy, and Justice, may my heart be filled with your Holy Spirit and melted by the intensity of your love, so that I too am ableto give my gifts away for you. Amen.