Guaranteed Returns

As you have done, it will be done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head. Obadiah 1:15 (New International Version)

Our actions matter to God. The way we treat others and respond to the situations of their life is noticed! What comes to your mind when you read today’s verse? It will all depend on how you have interacted with people. If we really understood what God is saying we would put more thought into the way we are living our lives. Throughout Scripture, God presents the reaping and sowing principle. Count on this….there will be a harvest. God is giving us the opportunity to make sure that harvest is good.

Let’s get practical! Do I live my life out of graciousness, forgiveness, generosity, tolerance, and benevolence? God says it will come back on me. Do I live my life out of selfishness, anger, impatience, revenge, and bitterness? God also says that will come back on me. What I want must be what I am demonstrating to others. It is not a matter of waiting for others to treat me the way I want to be treated and then acting in response to their goodness. That is backwards thinking. God’s way is for me to take the initiative and act first. When I do so, in the right way, I am following the pattern God has shown me….time and time again.

Sometimes we hesitate to live with other’s best interests at heart because we fear our needs will go unmet. God reminds us that will not be the case. We can trust Him on this one. It is like a boomerang! What I send out always comes back to me. Maybe not from the person I extended the goodness to, but it will come back. That is what He meant when He said, “Give and it shall be given unto you. Pressed down, shaken, and running over.”

A few illustrations come to mind….driving! I find that when I am prone to give way to other drivers the same is done back to me countless times. But when I drive selfishly and impatiently I can count on other drivers being just as rude toward me. As I encourage others, encouragement comes my way. As I give to others I become a recipient later on to an act of kindness. God said it this way, “To have friends you must show yourself friendly.” Part of living by faith is realizing goodness comes back to me that I have extended to others. I count on that harvest!

Father, help me to live my life giving away the very things You have given to me. May I demonstrate Your heart to others. Amen.

Make Me A Servant - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rznoe3zKxM

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.