“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” [Pro. 11:25]. Thus a divine law is enacted by lifestyle. If we give we receive, it seems a God-given rule in life. The current belief in society is to earn as much as you can, save as much as you can in a can, and keep the can, and build a dynasty. The problem with that is that your children become dependent upon that generosity and expect it. No reason they shouldn’t, but it can be a love-gift that robs an individual of personal ambition. They need to fly the nest and gather their own food so they can pass on that information, process or system to their dependants.
Each generation teaching the next. We learn skills and principals from our forebears, it’s what life is all about. My father taught me the discipline of perseverance and consistency. Day in and day out the value of an eight-hour day engaged in productive labour. We rise in the morning light and get ready for work, like it or not, it’s a duty to perform, a lifestyle to enjoy, a pattern of behaviour to cultivate. We are or become what we are by that restrictive yet liberative mould.
My father would say – “The devil finds work for idle hands to do,” thus, people are inclined to do frivolous and harmful things to cure their boredom. Boredom is one of the main curses in society. In the Tale of Melibee, c 1386 it is said: “Therefore seith Seint Jerome: “Dooth somme goode dedes that the devel, which is oure enemy, ne fynde yow nat unocupied.” Or, in modern English, ‘Therefore, says Saint Jerome, do some good deeds lest the devil, who is our enemy, find you unoccupied.’ Common sense indeed, a recurring pattern of behaviour in life. Proverbs 15:27 says: “idle hands are the devils workshop: idle lips are his mouthpiece.” When life is too good, it usually takes a downward turn to reinvent our industry and discipline. One of the problems today in society it that too many are too bored, just clicking screens in senseless discussions and useless speech. Who really wants to know what you had for breakfast, as if that is a major turning point in history!
Our liberation joined to our philanthropic nature, God engendered, and thus He will bless others abundantly who emulate His nature, for He overgave mercy in spite of iniquitous trends. Munificence, towards others is not a natural human characteristic, it causes astonishment and jealousy. Generosity means that we give more than is expected. Christ’s words are significant, Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” [Luke 6:38]. In other words what you give will be counted out to you in the same coinage. Give your time and time will come back. In kind as well as substance.
The mobile phone rang in the car, as we travelled and Patricia, my fist wife, answered it, she spoke and then put it down and we discussed it. She said “that person needs some money.” I said: “Did they say that?” “No” she said “but I gleaned it as they talked.” I had learned to trust her judgement over the years and knew she was right. We agreed £1,000 and called at the local bank and Post office, and sent the money secure post. We got home and she opened her post, and there was £1,000 cheque from a friend who had been blessed with some money. Give and it will be given back, not that one looks for that but it seems to be a spiritual law. Why argue with God, just accept it. “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed!” It works.
Michael
