Determined to Give Back

When you consider that out of the 66 books of the Bible only two books are based on the life of a woman; Esther and Ruth. Another noteworthy study reveals that in the hall of fame chapter, Hebrews 11, only two women are mentioned, Sara and Rahab. Yet, in Acts 16, Luke records a businesswoman, worthy of celebrating and modeling our lives after, named Lydia.

 Lydia was very successful in dealing in fabrics stained with the purple dye for which the region was famously known for. She was from Thyatira, a wealthy town known for its trade associations and purple dye. She was a part of the upper society and was wealthy enough to buy into this booming industry. Only the rich and affluent could afford the purple outfits of that day. Though Lydia was surrounded by people worshipping Greek gods and goddesses, she had already started her investigation of the Jewish claims of a supreme one God. Lydia was living in the city of Philippi when she had a divine encounter with the Apostle Paul. 

As we read the scripture we meet Lydia riverside with a group of women who had come together there to pray. It was there that Paul and Silas met her and talked with her about Jesus the Messiah, and there where she became the first convert to Christianity in Greece! According to scripture, she was not the only one impacted that day. The Lord not only opened Lydia’s heart to the Gospel of Grace but her entire household accepted the message and was baptized! 

Many people respond to the call of salvation but very few become as determined to give back as quickly as she did. Her response to salvation was simple but profound: If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house. And she persuaded us” (Acts 16:15). Lydia not only models the humility of receiving but the joy of giving through hospitality. Her dynamic communication skills leap off the pages when you read, “And she persuaded us”, in other words, she was so determined she would not take “No” for an answer. Lydia’s heart was full of joy at not only lodging this ministry team but also feeding them. What a dinner that must have been at Lydia’s house!

At elevateHim we know that we do this by investing our five Kingdom Currencies: time, talents, treasures, words, touch. Lydia offered her time and treasures (her home) to give back to Paul and Silas. 

Are you actively giving back to the Kingdom as Lydia did? How can you sow into someone today using one of these five Kingdom Currencies? 

Thanks for choosing this Bible plan. If you found yourself struggling on Day 4 with gratitude, check out the YouVersion plan "21 Days to Cultivate. Grateful Heart" for your next Bible plan. The team at elevateHim has a heart to help you cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude. For more resources and information about elevateHim Ministries, please visit our website http://elevatehim.com. You will find books and resources to help you on your journey to know and grow your relationship with God.