Pearls from the Bible 67

Is it wise to receive everything from everyone? The Bible says it is better to give than to take. Acts 20:35 says, "I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way, we must help the weak, remembering the words that the Lord Jesus himself said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.’" We can see Abraham fulfilling the above verse. His men, whom he trained, went and saved Lot and his people. But when the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Keep the loot" (verse 21), Abraham said, "I solemnly swear before the Lord Most High God, maker of heaven and earth, that I will not keep anything of yours, not even a thread or a sandal strap." Then you can never say, "I am the one who made Abram rich." Abram was careful not to get anything from the king of Sodom, who is a mere human pretending to have given Abram all he owns. We can learn something crucial from Abram here.Abram left his place and followed God with his all when God told him that He would bless him. He humbled himself before God because he clearly knew it is only God who can lift anyone. No man can make anyone rich. Such words will come out of people who are simply proud at heart, as no one has anything that is eternally his to say that he can make another person rich. We can't even say we can give something to someone and be proud about it, as all belongs to God. Abram was careful to give glory only to God for all he had. At the same time, he made sure his workers received their share. As a leader, he was careful to give what is due to them for the work they have done. May God give us the wisdom to get the share we have earned by working. Also, let God take the glory for everything we have.Dear God, may we be wise like Abram to discern people when they are trying to give us something. May we receive anything only from Your hands. We praise You for all You have given us already. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.