City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”

Matthew 16:26 (NIV)

“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’”

Luke 10:33-35 (NIV)

Reflection

Remember the board game called Life? Spin the colorful dial, pick a career (my friends and I always hoped for the superstar card), get married, maybe have kids, and make money. Whoever retired with the most money won. Seeing this from an grown-up perspective, it’s kind of sad how the “whoever dies with the most toys wins” objective imitates real life. 

Don’t get me wrong, I believe in doing your best at work and saving for retirement (thank you Dave Ramsey!), but that’s not the end goal. And the end of our lives on earth isn’t the end of us. When the game is over, it all goes back in the box (reference to John Ortberg’s book). Everything we do now impacts our lives in eternity. It doesn’t matter if we won the game according to the world’s standards, but if we played it God’s way. The Good Samaritan exemplified generosity not just through his money, but through his time, healing skills, and forgiveness (Jews saw Samaritans as beneath them). Jesus set very high standards for us through this parable, but fortunately, He wants us to succeed and will help us if we let Him. 

Application

If you’ve given your life to Jesus, you’ve already won! Invest in heavenly houses and hotels (Monopoly-speak) with generosity. Giving isn’t limited to finances, you can be generous with your time, skills, love, and forgiveness. Ask God where you can give, He might give you some new ideas! 

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for Your generosity, please show me how to be generous to others. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.