Level the Playing Field

“Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.” Deuteronomy‬ ‭15:10‬ ‭

Let’s get really honest, shall we?

We’ve been exploring what it means to have been given a piece of property – a life, an inheritance – and I know you’ve noticed, too.

Not everyone’s lot in life is equal.

And let’s just call it like it is.

Some of y’all have stinking huge lots. You have turrets and heated driveways and every appliance known to humanity. Your multiple refrigerators are packed with food. Your closets are bigger than my whole kitchen.

And then some of y’all live pay check to pay check. You aren’t sure how to make ends stretch to next week. You don’t always have what you want, and it isn’t always pretty, but your basic needs are met.

And you look freaking filthy rich to those whose bellies are distended with malnutrition, whose single mama is picking through the garbage dump to find a few scraps to sell at the market, or to just gnaw on to ease the hunger pains.

The top few percent of the world’s rich could buy out the bottom 50.

Where’s the Justice in that?

God knows human nature well. He knows what corruption and power do to weak minds. He understands the factors which drive and sustain poverty, the complicated cycles of pain and addiction which only perpetuate social problems.

Are some of you wondering why God didn’t just level the playing field Himself???

I know I have.

But here’s the kicker – He already made plans to make sure everything is just and fair. Not equal, but fair.

His plan includes using us.

Us!!! The process of sharing resources and ditching our selfishness for the common good helps to maintain that crucial balance between personal and corporate rights.

So He set out a few rules to level the playing field.

Do you have extra?

Find a good organization which is making a difference in the lives of those who need it most and be generous. Share. Make sure that the needs you notice are met. Don’t leave any good undone, if you have the means to do it.

Are you one who has less?

Work hard. Rely on God. And teach your heart to be thankful for what you do have. All that we have is a gift from a generous God. A successful life has less to do with your bottom line than it has to do with your heart and what you choose to spend who you are on and for.

The point is we are all somewhere on the property spectrum. There will always be someone whose property is more magnificent than ours. But – there will also always be someone whose lot in life is less fortunate than ours. If we all shared our resources with anyone in need, no one would be in need.

There is an important principle at work here – God, who is Himself generous, allows situations which will prompt His people to compassion and generosity. He blesses those who spend their resources wisely, balancing their needs with the needs of those less fortunate.

Part of His plan includes using you and I to raise others up. What a privilege to work hand in hand with our Maker in this way!

Level the playing field with me?

Father, thank You for Your generosity to me. Give me eyes to see the needs around me. Prompt me to be wise with what You have given me, and use my resources to make a difference to others who are experiencing the harsh realities of poverty. Amen.