Devotion: Strive #ThisMatters
Luke 3:11
In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.”
My wife and I are often amazed at how much stuff we have. Between what we each brought when we moved into our apartment, gifts we’ve received, and everything we buy ourselves, we have trouble finding a place for it all in our two-bedroom apartment. I imagine this is a relatable feeling for a lot of people. Accumulating possessions makes us feel good, and when we’re financially well-off enough to support that habit, it can easily get out of control.
The first words John the Baptist speaks in this passage remind us, though, that many of our siblings in Christ don’t have the means to even get the necessities, let alone the extravagances many of us have. Lincoln is home to a great number of people who struggle to attain the bare minimum: food, clothes, blankets, cookware, and other things taken for granted by the rest of us. By today’s standards, John’s example of a person with two shirts and another with none doesn’t even come close to the gap we see between those who have and those who don’t locally.
This is why places like the Barnabas Community are so important. Guests can get the necessities of life, like a nice meal, season-appropriate clothing, and other household items, regardless of financial situation. They can also find things that may not be essential, but make life a little more enjoyable, like games, accessories, and household decorations. All of this is given freely.
Places like Barnabas are a blessing to our world not just because of the services they provide to those in poverty, but because they give those of us who have more than we need a way to practice the lesson in Luke 3:11. If “anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none,” then think how much we who have even more should share.
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the amazing work done by Barnabas and other services that help those in poverty. Help us remember we are called to give when we have more than we need, not acquire more for ourselves. Remind us to give in humbleness because it’s what You expect of us, not something we do for glory or a sense of superiority. Continue to be with those who live in poverty and those who serve them.Amen
Written by Preston Thiemann
Preston Thiemann married his wife, Rachel, in September 2017. They live here in Lincoln. He is the Web Content Coordinator for the ASEM Marketing team at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he’s worked since April 2015. At Sheridan, he also plays guitar on the Praise Band. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, watching movies and spending time with friends.