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"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children,
But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous."
(Proverbs 13:22)
This week, we will look at Life Principle #25 in Dr. Charles Stanley's "30 Life Principles" series of messages that he preached at FBC Atlanta, GA. I have enjoyed listening to and diving deeply into each of these messages. Stanley was a Bible teacher. He spoke in a very practical way that all could understand. I believe that fact along with the obvious favor of God upon his life were the reasons he had such an impactful ministry. Life Principle #25 is "Passing on God's Blessings". It is a lot like Principle #23, "You Can Never Outgive God". Perhaps Stanley felt it so important that two principles needed to be given to the subject.
Blessing others with our time, words, compliments, talents, and treasures is a fulfilling and prosperous way to live life on earth. To put the principle succinctly, we are blessed to be a blessing. James 1:17 says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." All that we have is a gift from God. When we recognize that He is the rightful owner and we are simply stewards of what He has lavished upon us, then we will live more generously toward others. The happiest and most content people I know are those who continuously bless other people. They always seem to have plenty and never lack. They are conduits through whom God blesses others, and their lives are examples of how God pours out blessings on those whom He trusts.
I love Proverbs 13:22, our focal biblical text for today's devotion. Ashley and I have begun a 529 college savings plan for each of our grandchildren. Every month, we put money in this investment to help them with college one day. It is a wise investment strategy for parents and grandparents who want to build wealth over the years so their kids and grandkids are not burdened with exorbitant debt. What we are putting aside will not be enough to cover all expenses, but it will be something to help them. And, you know what? It gives me the greatest joy. I just love being able to do this for our kids' kids!
Stanley said that tough economic times lead us to be selfish, but how should we as followers of Jesus act in tough times? What did Jesus do, and how did He lead others and teach them? It worked for their day, and it works for our days as well! The Father blessed His Son, and the Son of God continually blessed and helped others. What a wonderful way to live life on earth!
Pause for a few moments and ask God to help you understand and apply this valuable life principle: blessed to bless. If you grasp it and live it out in your life, I assure you that you will not regret it. It is amazing how many blessings God will pour into your life.
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