Being a Blessing to Your Community

(Prov 15:27 ESV) Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.

This morning we continue our current series Yesterday Solomon told about the uncompromising position God takes against those who devise evil plans. This morning he talks about those who allow the evil plans to give birth to evil deeds. More specifically, those who allow greed to cause them to seek gain unjustly.

The Lord, through Solomon, tells us that this person—who crossed the line from ambition to greed and who accepts bribes or anything else required to make a quick buck—brings trouble upon his entire household. The word used here for “household” is actually more akin to “community” in today’s language.

The Message Bible brings this out, it reads: “A greedy and grasping person destroys community; those who refuse to exploit live and let live.” Not only does greed destroy a man and his family, but the unscrupulous practices performed in the pursuit of illicit riches can destroy an entire community.

I grew up in Maui Hawaii It is no secret that there was widespread corruption within the Police Department. I personally knew of men connected to the mob who paid off police officers and I knew of occasions in which drug dealers from my neighborhood were robbed by the officers who were supposed to arrest them. These officers had sworn to protect and serve our community, but some allowed greed to overtake them. Their greed for unjust gain brought trouble upon their own households and our entire community.

Back in chapter one Solomon said, “Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life” (1:19). Today we have learned that it not only robs them of life, but it also robs the community. When someone exploits others, without any sense of personal integrity or accountability, it deteriorates the moral fabric of the community. And for what?

In chapter 10 Solomon told us that “tainted wealth has no lasting value” (10:2). The Father is not against His children prospering, but He is against us pursuing prosperity the wrong way. In chapter 28 Solomon said, “A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper” (28:25). When you honor God in all your ways you are able to prosper—physically, socially, psychologically, and financially—without causing dissension, discord, and strife.

So what does this mean to you ? It means that the Father expects you to be an upstanding citizen. Not only does Jehovah want you to be a blessing to your immediate family, but He also wants you to be a blessing to your community (your sphere of influence). Bloom where you have been planted. Shine as light in the midst of darkness. Allow the Father’s love to flow through you in the midst of hatred, envy, strife, and discord. Be a source of hope in the midst of despair. Be an example of integrity and righteousness in the midst of unscrupulous practices. Bottom-line: be different. Be the person the Father desires for you to be and you will draw others to Him!

Father, I thank You for blessing me to prosper YOUR WAY. I don’t pursue things, I pursue You. When I do things Your way, I find that things pursue me. I can prosper physically (with health), socially (with relationships), psychologically (with internal peace), and financially (with enough to give, save, and spend), because I do things Your way. I am a blessing to all those I come in contact with and I am an asset to my community. Use me Father to be a blessing to someone today. Use me to draw others to You. Use me for Your glory! In Jesus’ name. Amen!