Clenched Hands

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth (Luke 12:15).

Many of you have probably heard the story of the greedy little monkey. There're different versions with different containers and foods, but basically, it goes like this: 
A little money became hungry and went looking for something to eat. He found some peanuts stored in a clay pot with a narrow neck. He reached in and got a big handful, but with a big fistful of nuts, he wasn't able to pull his hand back out. Refusing to let go of his bounty, he was caught and caged for the rest of his life.

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Of course, the moral of the story is to not be greedy -- not to hang onto possessions too tightly. God gives us many blessings, and He intends for us to share. He wants us to be a giving people -- caring, generous, and kind. The more selfish we are, the less we please Him. In addition, when someone is selfish, that person is seldom satisfied. There never comes a point when selfish, greedy people feel like they have enough. They yearn, scheme, and worry but are never content.

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

When our hands are clenched into tight fists, we aren't able to receive God's blessings as easily either. Too often, people strive for worldly possessions, hold on to them, and miss out on the ones that really matter. Instead of full fists, let's have open hands and open hearts that are ready to give to others and receive God's special blessings with joy.

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again (Luke 6:38).

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