Simply Living Pavyzdys

In the book of Isaiah, God uses Ezekiel to address people who are not helpful, but rather ‘rebellious’ and far from God. Presumably, these people are not spending themselves on behalf of the hungry, nor satisfying the needs of the oppressed. In the second passage, Ezekiel is told eat God’s word. I believe God wants to teach us that living according to his word–his will and purposes–tastes good for us as well for as other people. Following God’s way is not a burden; it is good.

Researchers have studied the effects of volunteering on the human emotional state, and did you know that when you help people, it actually increases your levels of happiness? Even more than a rise in income does! If you volunteer once a month you are 7% more likely to be “very happy.” Volunteering every 2-4 weeks, it increases to 12%. And weekly, it’s 16%. Unbelievably, volunteering would make you happier than going from $20,000 to $75,000 would. I say unbelievably but actually if you think about it, this makes sense. God has put us here to use us. We feel better when we have a purpose.

One of the best feelings I’ve ever had was when a friend revealed that the kind word I gave her came at the precise moment she needed to hear it. Thinking of and blessing others is one of the most fulfilling things, and we experience joy when we do.

Response: In what ways do you currently volunteer or give financially? Prayerfully consider how you may be able to make some new commitments which would engage you more frequently in caring for people who are poor or oppressed, whether in your community or further afield.