31 Dec Experiential Devotional: Experience doing good and counting it as “riches

There once was a wealthy woman who loved to carry her most precious jewels with her in a velvet bag. One day, a young boy happened upon the woman and asked her to show him her precious stones. She took them out one by one, telling the boy what type of stone each was and how much it was worth. The boy’s eyes were wide with wonder. He began to think about all of the things he could have if he only had just one of those precious stones. He asked the woman for the smallest one. He prayed fervently that she would give it to him. Much to his surprise, she did give it to him!

He went directly into town and quickly sold the stone for a fraction of its worth. He did not want to take the time to find the right buyer for the stone. Even with the small fraction of a sum, he knew he could buy all he wanted. He would want for nothing.

A few months passed and the boy discovered other things he wanted. He went back to the woman and asked her for another stone. She gave it to him willingly. He went into town again and sold this stone for a fraction of the cost. Again, he bought all the new things he wanted.

This practice went on and on, again and again until the woman had no stones left in her velvet bag. The boy went to her one last time. This time, he had a different question for the woman: “Why did you give me all of your stones? Now you have nothing left!”

The woman responded with a dazzling smile, “Oh, dear one, that is not at all true. I have what it takes to give.”

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Discuss what it means to be rich in deed.

· Experience doing good and counting it as “riches.”

· Share the experience of becoming “rich in deed.”

Background Information

Consider this brief passage from 1 Timothy 6:18 (NIV): “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”

Very rarely, if ever, do we want to become rich in deeds! We strive with all we are to make money, count our money, save our money, and spend our money. When do we ever stop to take stock of our deeds? When was the last time spent our time doing good things for others and we counted our good deeds as riches? Do we have what the rich woman has? Do we have what it takes to give?

In this experiential exercise, take one morning or afternoon to make yourself rich in deed. Do as many things as you can that are good for others. Take stock of what you are doing; count your deeds as you would count your money. List them. Put them into a physical or mental ledger and deduct the “bad deeds” from the good ones. How much would you have left? Are you “rich in deeds”?

Instructions

1. Experiential Devotional: Experience doing good and counting it as “riches.”

2. Respond to the following:

a. Discuss what it means to be rich in deed.

b. Share your experience of becoming “rich in deed.”

3. Your postings should also:

a. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.

b. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.

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